Comparing Responses to Horticultural-Based and Traditional Activities in Dementia Care Programs

Abstract

Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities supports well-being; however, care staff are challenged to implement age- and ability-appropriate activities in a group setting. We compared a randomly assigned treatment group, who received horticultural therapy-based (HT-based) programming to a comparison group, who engaged in traditional activities (TA) programming, on engagement and affect. Horticultural therapy-based programming was implemented twice weekly at 4 treatment sites for 6 weeks, while regular TA were observed at comparison sites. Results revealed no differences between groups on affective domains. Levels of adaptive behavior differed between the groups, with the treatment group demonstrating higher levels of active, passive, and other engagement and the comparison group demonstrating higher levels of self-engagement. Our results highlight the value of HT-based programs and the importance of simultaneously capturing participants' affective and behavioral responses. Theoretical and practical considerations about the facilitation of and context in which the programming occurs are discussed.

Benefits of sensory garden and horticultural activities in dementia care: a modified scoping review

“…, Rappe & Topo , Thelander et al . , Jarrott & Gigliotti ). The designs vary from comparative observational design to RCT design.…”

“…() and Gigliotti and Jarrot () reported higher levels on positive affect with horticultural activities compared with ordinary activities. Jarrott and Gigliotti () reported that there was no difference in affect between the groups; however, older participants showed significant lower interest.…”

“…, Gigliotti et al . , Gigliotti & Jarrott , Jarrott & Gigliotti ), where the Jarrott and Gigliotti () study again was based on two earlier studies (Gigliotti et al . , Gigliotti & Jarrott ).…”

“…, Gigliotti & Jarrott ). Looking at the designs, Jarrott and Gigliotti () used a comparative controlled design with cluster randomisation and examined whether HT had any effects on adaptive behaviour and positive affect. Gigliotti and Jarrott () used a pretest/post‐test design and examined whether HT influenced the level of engagement and positive affect, whereas Gigliotti et al .…”

“…They also reported that the proportion of ‘not‐engaged’ time was reduced from 60% with ordinary activities to 14% when the participants were engaged in horticultural activities. Jarrott and Gigliotti () reported significant differences in engagement in four of the five adaptive behaviour categories in favour of the HT group. Connell et al .…”