Shannon Freeman1, Davina Banner1, Meg Labron2, Georgia Betkus3, Tim Wood1, Erin Branco4, Kelly Skinner5. 1. School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. 2. School of Social Work, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. 3. School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. 4. Northern Health Authority, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. 5. School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Engagement with the natural environment is a meaningful activity for many people. People living in long-term care facilities can face barriers to going outdoors and engaging in nature-based activities. In response to needs expressed by our long-term care facility resident partners, we examined the feasibility and benefits of a co-designed hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program. METHODS: Our team of long-term care facility residents, staff and researchers co-designed and piloted a four-month hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program along with an activity and educational program, in 2019. Feedback was gathered from long-term care facility residents and staff through surveys (N = 23 at baseline; N = 23 at follow-up), through five focus groups (N = 19: n = 10 staff; n = 9 residents) and through photovoice (N = 5). A qualitative descriptive approach was applied to focus group transcripts to capture a rich account of participant experiences within the naturalistic context, and descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: While most residents preferred to go outside (91%), few reported going outside every day (30%). Program participants expressed their joy about interacting with nature and watching plants grow. Analyses of focus group data generated the following themes: finding meaning; building connections with others through lifelong learning; impacts on mental health and well-being; opportunities to reminisce; reflection of self in gardening activities; benefits for staff; and enthusiasm for the program to continue. CONCLUSION: Active and passive engagement in gardening activities benefitted residents with diverse abilities. This fostered opportunity for discussions, connections and increased interactions with others, which can help reduce social isolation. Gardening programs should be considered a feasible and important option that can support socialization, health and well-being.
BACKGROUND: Engagement with the natural environment is a meaningful activity for many people. People living in long-term care facilities can face barriers to going outdoors and engaging in nature-based activities. In response to needs expressed by our long-term care facility resident partners, we examined the feasibility and benefits of a co-designed hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program. METHODS: Our team of long-term care facility residents, staff and researchers co-designed and piloted a four-month hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program along with an activity and educational program, in 2019. Feedback was gathered from long-term care facility residents and staff through surveys (N = 23 at baseline; N = 23 at follow-up), through five focus groups (N = 19: n = 10 staff; n = 9 residents) and through photovoice (N = 5). A qualitative descriptive approach was applied to focus group transcripts to capture a rich account of participant experiences within the naturalistic context, and descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: While most residents preferred to go outside (91%), few reported going outside every day (30%). Program participants expressed their joy about interacting with nature and watching plants grow. Analyses of focus group data generated the following themes: finding meaning; building connections with others through lifelong learning; impacts on mental health and well-being; opportunities to reminisce; reflection of self in gardening activities; benefits for staff; and enthusiasm for the program to continue. CONCLUSION: Active and passive engagement in gardening activities benefitted residents with diverse abilities. This fostered opportunity for discussions, connections and increased interactions with others, which can help reduce social isolation. Gardening programs should be considered a feasible and important option that can support socialization, health and well-being.
Authors: M T Hoyl; C A Alessi; J O Harker; K R Josephson; F M Pietruszka; M Koelfgen; J R Mervis; L J Fitten; L Z Rubenstein Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 1999-07 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Mark B Detweiler; Taral Sharma; Jonna G Detweiler; Pamela F Murphy; Sandra Lane; Jack Carman; Amara S Chudhary; Mary H Halling; Kye Y Kim Journal: Psychiatry Investig Date: 2012-05-22 Impact factor: 2.505