Digging into the experiences of therapeutic gardening for people with dementia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Gardening programmes aim to promote improved engagement and quality of life in persons with dementia. Although a substantial literature has amassed documenting the overall positive outcomes associated with therapeutic gardening and horticulture for persons with dementia, little is known about the specific aspects of the gardening process that engender these benefits, and how and why they are important. The purpose of this research was to explore, using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the experiences of therapeutic gardening for persons with dementia, and their perspectives on the senses and emotions elicited in the gardening process that promote well-being. The themes that emerged in our analysis are to varying degrees substantiated in the literature: the usefulness of activating the senses, particularly those of touch and smell; the significance of being occupied in meaningful, productive work; the importance of cultivating a sense of curiosity, wonder, and learning; the positive gains derived from socialization in a group context; the peace and hope derived from being ‘in the moment’; and the positive mental and physical well-being derived from participating in the outdoor garden. Our findings support the integration of therapeutic gardening as a valuable practice for people with dementia.

Me, myself, and nature: living with dementia and connecting with the natural world – more than a breath of fresh air? A literature review

“…The natural world provided opportunities for reminiscence, for recollecting and sharing memories (Cook, 2020;De Bruin et al, 2021;Hendricks et al, 2016), and the recall of memories in relation to being engaged in an activity i.e., gardening (Smith Carrier et al, 2019).…”

“…Participants considered social interaction to be a highly valued element of engaging in the natural world within a group setting (Cook, 2020;De Bruin et al, 2021;Gibson, Robertson and Pendle, 2017;Gibson, Ramsden, Tomlinson et al, 2017;Noone & Jenkins, 2018;Sensory Trust, 2018;Smith Carrier et al, 2019). Thus, a salient theme was connection, and the belonging and support participants experienced from being part of a group (Cook, 2020;Gibson, Robertson and Pendle, 2017;Gibson, Ramsden, Tomlinson et al, 2017;Noone & Jenkins, 2018;Sensory Trust, 2018;Smith Carrier et al, 2019), and its role in alleviating loneliness (Sensory Trust, 2018).…”

“…• Connecting with othersCook, 2020;De Bruin et al, 2021;Duggan et al, 2008;Gibson, Robertson and Pemble, 2017;Gibson, Ramsden, Tomlinson et al, 2017;Hendricks et al, 2016;Mapes et al, 2016;McDuff & Phinney, 2015;Noone & Jenkins, 2018;Odzakovic et al, 2018;Olsson et al, 2013; Sensory Trust, 2018;Smith Carrier et al, 2019 • Supporting self and identityCook, 2020;De Bruin et al, 2021;Duggan et al, 2008; Gibson, Robertson and Pemble,2017;Mapes & Hide, 2011;Noone & Jenkins, 2018;Odzakovic et al,2018;Olsson et al, 2013;Smith Carrier et al…”

Exploring the enablers and barriers to social prescribing for people living with long-term neurological conditions: a focus group investigation

“…The use of mindfulness by people living with Multiple Sclerosis [ 25 , 26 ] and Traumatic Brain Injury [ 27 ] has demonstrated a positive impact on wellbeing. Activities such as gardening [ 28 – 30 ], walking [ 31 ], creative tasks [ 32 ] and music [ 33 , 34 ] have been the most widely researched for use with people living with dementia with evidence supporting their use for improving quality of life and wellbeing.…”

Exploring the Enablers and Barriers to Social Prescribing for People Living With Long-Term Neurological Conditions: A Focus Group Investigation

“…The use of mindfulness by people living with Multiple Sclerosis (28, 29) and Traumatic Brain Injury (30) has demonstrated a positive impact on wellbeing. Activities such as gardening (31,32,33), walking (34), creative tasks (35) and music (36, 37) have been the most widely researched for use with people living with dementia with evidence supporting their use for improving quality of life and wellbeing.…”