Effects of horticultural therapy: Perspectives of frail and pre‐frail older nursing home residents

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of a group of frail and/or pre‐frail older nursing home residents in relation to horticultural therapy. Method A total of 22 frail/pre‐frail residents were interviewed. A qualitative content analysis approach was adopted to interpret the data from four nursing homes. Results Four main themes were identified: (a) “Horticultural therapy is an enjoyable activity and a good pastime in nursing home life”; (b) “Joining the programme made me happier”; (c) “Horticultural activities facilitated socialization among the residents”; and (4) “Not much mention was made of the programme by the staff outside the sessions.” Conclusion and implication for practice The findings provide evidence of the positive effects of horticultural therapy on perceived well‐being among frail nursing home residents and expand the existing state of knowledge on the use of horticultural therapy in long‐term residential care. Among others nursing implications, they are also important to develop appropriate and meaningful nursing practice to improve frail residents' perceived quality of life in the institution they now call “home.”

“Human Flourishing with Dignity”: A Meta-Ethnography of the Meaning of Gardens for Elderly in Nursing Homes and Residential Care Settings

“…The garden became an arena for making friends and experiencing togetherness, in addition to creating joyful and inclusive social communities ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ; Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ; Reynolds, 2016 ; Tsai et al, 2020 ). The interaction between the residents in the garden occurred spontaneously ( Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ) or was organized by the nurses ( Reynolds, 2016 ), and this interaction developed social relationships ( Tsai et al, 2020 ) and awareness.…”

“…Notably, a 69-year-old resident stated, “He picks a bag of cherry tomatoes for me to eat” ( Raske, 2010 , p. 343). Gaining friends and engaging in conversations resulted in socialization, but in a joyful and meaningful way, while working together provided happiness ( Lo et al, 2019 ; Tsai et al, 2020 ) and prevented loneliness ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ). When outdoors, the residents were talking ( Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ), viewing ( Lo et al, 2019 ), and sharing meals ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ) and flowers with each other ( Tsai et al, 2020 ) in an inclusive way.…”

“…Sensory and esthetic impressions, both outdoors and from the inside ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ; Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ; Reynolds, 2016 ; Tsai et al, 2020 ), were greatly appreciated by the residents, and one of them said, “It is good, just watching it grow, seeing it alive and changing every day, is truly amazing” ( Lo et al, 2019 , p. 1233). The residents cherished watching the roads and seeing children play ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ), and became fascinated with the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of butterflies and hummingbirds ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ; Reynolds, 2016 ). Further, they were reported to be captivated by the pretty colors and shapes of the plants and trees ( Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ).…”

“…The residents cherished watching the roads and seeing children play ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ), and became fascinated with the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of butterflies and hummingbirds ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ; Reynolds, 2016 ). Further, they were reported to be captivated by the pretty colors and shapes of the plants and trees ( Johansen & Gonzalez, 2018 ; Lo et al, 2019 ; Raske, 2010 ). The beauty of nature nourished the resident’s senses, such as through the smell of the lilacs ( Dahlkvist et al, 2020 ) or the chirping of the birds and tasting of fresh tomatoes ( Raske, 2010 ).…”

Indoor horticultural therapy for older adults living in a nursing home: Bedside structured floral arrangement program

“…Experiencing nature induces positive emotions and physiological relaxation. 3,4 Horticultural works provide a sense of agency or satisfaction during the working process, 5,6 and increases quality of life (QOL) or improves depressive symptoms. 7 However, as horticultural therapy is often carried out outdoors, older adults who require some assistance with mobility tend to experience difficulties in participating.…”