Garden Access Benefits Dementia Sufferers

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Mental Health;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 19 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Clients suffering from dementia, their carers and the hospital staff at a day centre for dementia sufferers all benefit from free access to a sensory garden.

This is the finding of Claire Matchwick, who undertook this research for the Department of Health, who presented her findings on Friday 6 July 2007, at the Annual Conference for Psychology Specialists Working with Older People (PSIGE) - part of The British Psychological Society - at the University of Nottingham.

The study focussed on eight clients with dementia, with an average age of 75, who regularly attended the hospital, their carers and eight female staff. The study lasted six months and all participants were interviewed before and after the garden was available.

Before the garden was available the study reported that clients were becoming resistant to treatment and did not look likely to achieve their treatment goal. After been given access to the garden and using it for therapy sessions there were significant effects on the clients progress with their rehabilitation programme, they looked forward to their sessions and achieved their overall treatment goal.

The staff reported that the clients used the garden voluntarily to calm down and that they had a sense of freedom as the door was never locked. The garden gave clients a pleasant therapeutic environment to use and enjoy and was described by a member of staff "an extension of the good work we do but out in the fresh air". Being out in the fresh air had a positive effect on the staff too; this was transferred to the clients.

The carers, all of whom were the patients' spouses, also benefited from the garden as they believed it would benefit their loved one.

Ms Matchwick said: "Clients at the day hospital are suffering from a frustrating and debilitating condition, which can lead to anxiety, agitation and aggression. Staff at the day hospital have to deal with this behaviour. The garden has had an effect on the behaviour of the clients and has lifted the spirits of the staff at the day hospital. This shows how crucial it is to provide the day hospital with a good environment, which can alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation."

British Psychological Society