Effects of Garden Visits on Long-term Care Residents as Related to Depression

Abstract

<jats:p>Depression is a major health problem among the elderly. Its prevalence is high among those in long-term care. Exposure to the garden environment may alleviate depressive symptoms, but there is little research evidence to confirm this hypothesis. In this study we investigated the perceived effects and meanings related to garden visits among older individuals living in long-term care and assessed whether there are associations between experiences from garden visits and self-rated depression. Data were gathered by surveying 30 elderly people living in Kustaankartano, a nursing home and service center for elderly people in Helsinki, Finland. Prevalence of self-rated depression was high; 46% of the participants were depressed. Both being in the garden and seeing it from the balcony and observing nature were of great significance for most of the participants. For more than half of the participants, visiting the garden improved mood, quality of sleep, and ability to concentrate; it generated feelings of recovery and promoted peace of mind. Affective effects of visiting the garden tended to be more pronounced among the depressed than among those not depressed. The depressed did not consider social interaction and participation in social activities very important for their well-being. Depression tended to be related to perception of the residents that they experienced hindrances and distresses associated with visiting the garden. Although there were indicative differences between the depressed and nondepressed participants in garden experiences, the results suggest that visiting the garden may affect the subjective well-being of both groups positively.</jats:p>

The Impact of Horticultural Responsibility on Health Indicators and Quality of Life in Assisted Living

“…These results correlated well with previous research conducted by horticulturists and social scientists since the 1970s that found benefits from active plant care to passive exposure to gardens (Barnicle and Midden, 2003;Bassen and Baltazar, 1997;Browne, 1992;Kweon et al, 1998;Langer and Rodin, 1976;Predney and Relf, 2004;Rappe and Kivela, 2005;Willcox and Mattson, 1979).…”

“…Research has demonstrated that seriously ill hospital patients and infirm elderly patients showed improved health outcomes when they were exposed to living plants. Facilities that work with elderly populations have begun using garden sites in their landscapes and as part of their therapeutic interventions (Barnicle and Midden, 2003;Bassen and Baltazar, 1997;Rappe and Kivela, 2005). These efforts take many forms from passive enjoyment to active group activities such as growing plants or produce, which research has demonstrated to enhance emotional health and participant involvement in older adults (Browne, 1992;Kweon et al, 1998;Predney and Relf, 2004).…”

Measures of Restoration in Geriatric Care Residences

“…This may be an indication that frailer elderly individuals are more dependent on a green environment. • A study by Rappe and Kivelä (2005) on elderly long-term care residents found that "affective effects of visiting the garden tended to be more pronounced among the depressed than among those not depressed" (ibid p. 298). Moreover, they found that "the depressed felt more balanced and more cheerful and alert after visiting the garden" (ibid p. 302).…”

An Indoor Gardening Planting Table Game Design to Improve the Cognitive Performance of the Elderly with Mild and Moderate Dementia

“…For example, in the design of related implements and plants, plants or auxiliary tools are used to emphasize changes in color and touch [14]. Color and touch can stimulate the sensory cognition and memory of patients with dementia [15], which can enhance their attention. Using familiar cognitive memories will make patients feel comfortable and in control [16].…”