This study aims to examine the effects of horticultural activities on the physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation, and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with dementia living in nursing homes. Forty individuals participated in the study. The intervention group received a 10-week horticultural activity program, conducted two days a week (one activity day and one visit day), while the control group underwent evaluations without participating in the horticultural activities. Various standardized assessment tools were used to evaluate mental status, functional mobility, cognitive performance, mental well-being, social participation, and quality of life.
The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of a structured horticultural activity program on individuals diagnosed with dementia who reside in nursing homes. The study was conducted with a total of 40 participants. The intervention group participated in a 10-week horticultural activity program, held twice weekly, which included one activity session and one visit session per week. The control group did not participate in the activity program but underwent the same evaluation procedures. The assessment tools used in this study included: Mini Mental State Examination to evaluate mental status, Timed Up and Go Test to assess functional mobility, balance, and performance, Rapid Mild Cognitive Impairment Test for cognitive assessment, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to measure mental well-being, Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults to assess social and emotional loneliness, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Elderly Module to evaluate quality of life. The study is designed to explore whether horticultural activities can be beneficial as part of occupational therapy interventions for individuals with dementia living in nursing homes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Prior to the commencement of the horticultural intervention program, the nursing home was visited to assess its physical environment and to inform staff about the program's objectives. Participants were recruited, and baseline data was collected. The program was structured around weekly activities and visits, with a three-day interval between each session. Activities included plant identification, gardening tasks, and nature-based art projects. The program was designed to foster social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity, while promoting a sense of accomplishment and well-being among participants. Throughout the program, regular assessments were conducted to monitor participants' progress and satisfaction.
Betül Üstün
Merkez, Isparta, Turkey (Türkiye)
Mini Mental State Examination Score
Assessment of participants' cognitive status using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Scores will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Timed Up and Go Test Performance
Evaluation of participants' functional mobility, balance, and performance using the Timed Up and Go Test. Results will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Rapid Mild Cognitive Impairment Test Score
Assessment of cognitive status using the Rapid Mild Cognitive Impairment Test. Scores will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale Score
Measurement of mental well-being using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Scores will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults Score
Assessment of social and emotional loneliness using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. Scores will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Elderly Module Score
Evaluation of participants' quality of life using the WHOQOL-OLD scale. Scores will be recorded at baseline and after the 10-week intervention period.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
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