Presentation Schedule
A Dyadic Home-Based Technology-Enhanced Horticulture Programme for People Living with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers: A Pilot Study (104425)
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 13:15
Session: Poster Session 1
Room: Orion Hall (5F)
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Background: Dementia presents increasing public health challenges worldwide. Although horticultural therapy (HT) has shown benefits for both caregivers and people living with dementia (PLwD), conventional HT programmes often depend on outdoor environments, adequate space, and favourable weather conditions. Technology-enabled indoor horticulture may offer a practical alternative by facilitating meaningful engagement within the home, particularly in densely populated urban settings.
Objective: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a dyadic home-based, technology-enhanced HT programme supported by a smart hydroponic growing device.
Methods: Thirty seven dyads took part in three in-person horticulture sessions followed by eight weeks of structured home-based activities using the smart grower and its accompanying mobile application. Quantitative measures of cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, wellbeing, caregiver stress, depressive symptoms, and positive caregiving experiences were collected at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Feasibility indicators included recruitment, completion, and attrition rates. Semi-structured focus-group interviews with caregivers provided qualitative insights into participants’ experiences.
Results: Completion was high (83.8%), with minimal attrition (2.6%). Quantitative analyses indicated significant reductions in caregiver distress and increased happiness among PLwD. Qualitative findings described strengthened emotional bonds within dyads, broadened social networks for caregivers, and stimulation of autobiographical memories in PLwD.
Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that a home-based, technology-enhanced horticultural intervention is both feasible and acceptable for dementia dyads, with encouraging early psychosocial benefits. A larger randomised controlled trial is recommended to determine efficacy and longer-term outcomes.
Authors:
Patrick Pui Kin Kor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Alex Pak Lik Tsang, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Lexi Hanzhi Tan, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Patrick KOR is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
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