What is the effect of garden use on quality of life (QoL) and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in people living with dementia in nursing homes? A dissertation on the effect of garden use and the implementation of garden use in the daily life of people living with dementia in nursing homes.
On average more than 90% of the residents stay inside during the day. They experience a major loss of quality of life (QoL). Some of the aspects that influence QoL are behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), for example agitation.
Various interventions have been developed to tackle the problems mentioned above. One of these interventions is the passive and active use of nursing home gardens. The term garden use refers to any person-centred activity in the nursing home garden that fits within the usual activities in daily nursing home practice. This means going into the nursing home garden and doing an activity outside that is usually done inside. Examples of person-centred garden activities are sitting in the garden, having a conversation, drinking or eating, gardening, or receiving therapy. The activities are tailored to the residents’ wishes and preferences.
In recent years, interest in the effects of garden use on people living with dementia in nursing homes has increased. Positive effects on QoL, stress, agitation, apathy, and engagement were found.
Considering the importance of going outside and being in a natural environment for people in general, and people living with dementia in particular, this dissertation focusses on the following research question: “What is the effect of garden use on QoL and BPSD in people living with dementia in nursing homes?”
To answer this question, a systematic review, a cross-sectional study, a feasibility study and a mixed-methods study will be performed.
