A Study of a Secure Garden in the Care of People with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Specially designed outdoor spaces (SDOS) have been developed to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. However, few follow-up studies have been done to examine their use once implemented. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how SDOS are used and the objectives of their design fulfilled. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted of a SDOS 3 years after it was built to answer the following questions: How has the garden changed from the original design? What are the current patterns of use of the garden? What factors facilitate use of the garden? What are the barriers to use of the garden? Four main sources of data were used: landscape architectural drawings, non-participant observation, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. The results lend support to the theoretical principles of garden design in the literature. The garden was considered an important part of the service program. However, factors such as garden maintenance, organizational support, staff training, and accessibility may limit its impact.

Housing and Connection to Nature for People with Dementia

“…Providing access to nature as a form of MSS has been shown to be particularly beneficial within controlled settings in dementia care (Cohen Mansfield & Werner 1998, Baker et al, 2001Burns et al, 2002, Lovering et al, 2002. Multi-sensory Environments (MSEs) (formerly known as Snoezelen) have been used in dementia care for relaxation, recreation, enjoyment, and stimulation of the senses (Pinkney, 1994;Hope, 1997).…”

“…Gardening as an activity affords both passive and interactive stimulation; this may explain its current popularity as a therapeutic tool. There is a growing literature on the design of gardens for people with dementia (Pollock, 2001;Lovering, 1990;Lovering et al, 2002), on examining gardens within the context of outdoor activities (Cobley, 2002;Archibald, 1999), and on adapting activities in the garden for people with dementia (Kwack et al, 2005). Most difficulties encountered during gardening activities are related to sensory (visual, olfactory, tactile, auditory) impairment, mobility, access to the activity areas in the garden and ability to use tools or techniques.…”

Clinical Use of Sensory Gardens and Outdoor Environments in Norwegian Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional E-mail Survey

“…E-mail: gonzalez@diakonhjemmet.no Outdoor areas are reported to be highly appreciated by nursing home residents (Cohen-Mansfield, 2007), and having access to surrounding outdoor life seems to be an essential issue for nursing home residents (Bengtsson & Carlsson, 2005). Several authors have reported that nature seems to be beneficial for patients suffering from dementia (Lovering, Cott, Wells, Taylor, and Wells, 2002;Ottosson & Grahn, 2005), with observing nature and plants, and experiencing fresh air as important experiences (Kearney & Winterbottom 2005). Joseph, Zimring, Kojetin, and Kiefer (2005) reported that the number of residents in retirement communities participating in physical activities depended on the attractiveness of both the indoor and outdoor environments.…”

Gardens for People with Dementia

“…The Purpose of the Training Project Lovering et al (2002) offered four components as central to the success of gardens in dementia facilities based on their three-year follow-up of the success of such a garden. These components are (1) support from the organization, integrating the garden into its mission and use of resources, (2) application of design principles specific to people with dementia, (3) staff "creativity, knowledge and skill to design and implement programs that maximize the garden's potential and the client's well-being," and (4) a good maintenance program.…”

“…Topics included developing a garden team planning committee and the characteristics of a therapeutic garden for this population. This part of the curriculum drew from the literature on planning gardens for people with dementia (e.g., Beckwith & Gilster, 1997;Cohen-Mansfield & Werner, 1999;Lovering et al, 2002;Lovering, 1990;Zeisel & Tyson, 1999), as well as from our own experience in creating the Portland Memory Garden. Important considerations included both the structure of the setting and the plantings.…”