Background: Dementia’s progression often leads families to seek therapies, with horticultural therapy (HT) widely accepted due to its connection to nature.
Objectives: This study examines whether HT fosters better emotional expression, communication, and positive actions (communication and activity-related actions) compared to other activities in adult day care centers (ADCCs) and a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).
Methods: Fifty-one people with dementia (PWD) participated in structured HT sessions and other activities over 10 weeks. Effects were measured using Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) and questionnaires.
Results: Paired t-tests revealed higher levels of mood, behavior, communication, and functional actions during HT compared to other activities.
Discussion: These findings support HT’s significant therapeutic benefits for PWD, regardless of prior gardening experience, highlighting its potential for broader adoption in dementia care centers.

Authors:
Adi Vitman-Schorr, Tel-Hai Academic College, Israel
Moran Chen, Oranim College, Israel
Ayelet Naveh, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Tamar Hirshenzon Peiper, Independent Scholar, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Adi Vitman- Schorr is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa in Israel

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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