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. 2022 Jul;42(7):288-300.
doi: 10.24095/hpcdp.42.7.03.

"I see beauty, I see art, I see design, I see love." Findings from a resident-driven, co-designed gardening program in a long-term care facility

[Article in English, French]
Shannon Freeman  1 , Davina Banner  1 , Meg Labron  2 , Georgia Betkus  3 , Tim Wood  1 , Erin Branco  4 , Kelly Skinner  5
Affiliations

"I see beauty, I see art, I see design, I see love." Findings from a resident-driven, co-designed gardening program in a long-term care facility

[Article in English, French]
Shannon Freeman et al. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2022 Jul.

Abstract
in English, French

Background: Engagement with the natural environment is a meaningful activity for many people. People living in long-term care facilities can face barriers to going outdoors and engaging in nature-based activities. In response to needs expressed by our long-term care facility resident partners, we examined the feasibility and benefits of a co-designed hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program.

Methods: Our team of long-term care facility residents, staff and researchers co-designed and piloted a four-month hydroponic and raised-bed gardening program along with an activity and educational program, in 2019. Feedback was gathered from long-term care facility residents and staff through surveys (N = 23 at baseline; N = 23 at follow-up), through five focus groups (N = 19: n = 10 staff; n = 9 residents) and through photovoice (N = 5). A qualitative descriptive approach was applied to focus group transcripts to capture a rich account of participant experiences within the naturalistic context, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results: While most residents preferred to go outside (91%), few reported going outside every day (30%). Program participants expressed their joy about interacting with nature and watching plants grow. Analyses of focus group data generated the following themes: finding meaning; building connections with others through lifelong learning; impacts on mental health and well-being; opportunities to reminisce; reflection of self in gardening activities; benefits for staff; and enthusiasm for the program to continue.

Conclusion: Active and passive engagement in gardening activities benefitted residents with diverse abilities. This fostered opportunity for discussions, connections and increased interactions with others, which can help reduce social isolation. Gardening programs should be considered a feasible and important option that can support socialization, health and well-being.

Introduction: Être en harmonie avec la nature constitue pour beaucoup de monde une occupation enrichissante. Or les résidents d’établissements de soins de longue durée ont souvent à surmonter des obstacles s’ils désirent aller dehors et participer à des activités en nature. En réponse aux besoins exprimés par nos partenaires résidents d’établissements de soins de longue durée, nous avons étudié la faisabilité et les bienfaits d’un programme de culture hydroponique et de jardinage en jardins surélevés conçu de façon collaborative.

Méthodologie: En 2019, notre équipe composée de chercheurs ainsi que de résidents et de membres du personnel d’un établissement de soins de longue durée a conçu et mis en œuvre un programme pilote de culture hydroponique et de jardinage en jardins surélevés d’une durée de quatre mois, qui comportait en outre un volet éducatif et des activités. Les rétroactions des résidents et du personnel de l’établissement de soins de longue durée ont été recueillies au moyen de sondages (N = 23 participants au début de l’étude; N = 23 lors du suivi), de cinq groupes de discussion (N = 19 participants, soit n = 10 membres du personnel et n = 9 résidents) et de la méthode photovoix (N = 5 participants). L’équipe de recherche s’est servie d’une méthode descriptive qualitative pour analyser les transcriptions des groupes de discussion et obtenir ainsi un compte rendu riche des expériences des participants en contexte réel. L’équipe a également produit des statistiques descriptives.

Résultats: Même si la plupart des résidents ont indiqué préférer aller dehors (91 %), peu d’entre eux ont déclaré le faire tous les jours (30 %). Les participants au programme ont exprimé leur joie à pouvoir interagir avec la nature et regarder les plantes croître. Les analyses des données obtenues des groupes de discussion ont permis de dégager les thèmes suivants : découverte de sens; formation de liens avec les autres par un apprentissage constant; répercussions sur la santé mentale et le bien­être; occasions de se remémorer des souvenirs; reflet de sa vie dans les activités de jardinage; bienfaits pour le personnel et enfin désir que le programme se poursuive.

Conclusion: La participation aux activités de jardinage, qu’elle ait été active ou passive, a eu des répercussions bénéfiques chez des résidents ayant des capacités diverses. Le programme a favorisé les discussions et l’établissement de liens et a permis d’accroître les interactions, ce qui est susceptible de contribuer à réduire l’isolement social. Les programmes de jardinage devraient être considérés comme une option efficace et réalisable pour favoriser la socialisation, la santé et le bien­être.

Keywords: aging; co-creation; engagement; gardening; loneliness; older adults; photovoice; qualitative; social isolation.

Plain language summary

Integrating nature-based interventions, including hydroponic and raised-bed gardening, into the longterm care facility setting is feasible and can result in active and inclusive engagement of residents, along with meaningful conversation among residents and between residents and facility staff. Participation in gardening activities increased opportunities for social engagement and relationship building as well as for mitigating social isolation. Locating flower beds and/or hydroponic gardens in a high traffic area with nearby seating and access for wheelchairs and mobility devices supported inclusivity so that all residents could engage in gardening activities. Implementation and sustainability of the gardening program and activities require collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Kelly Skinner is an Associate Scientific Editor with the HPCDP Journal, but has recused herself from the review process for this paper. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Outdoor raised garden bed and hydroponic gardens at the long-term care facility
Figure 2
Figure 2. Percentage of resident self-reported mood and Geriatric Depression Scale indicators at baseline (N = 21) and follow-up (N = 19)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Percentage of self-reported frequency of times residents were able to go outside the facility (n = 22)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Word cloud of top 75 words used by long-term care residents to describe the gardening project
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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