Abstract
The research addressed the following focused question: “Do garden spaces decrease the incidence of behaviors such as combativeness and agitation, psychiatric medication use, depression, falls, cognitive decline, and sleep disturbance in clients with dementia in a residential facility?” The research team collaborated with staff at a skilled nursing facility in an urban area of the Pacific Northwest. Appraisal of existing research revealed multiple potential benefits of residents’ with dementia utilizing garden spaces for wandering and/or therapeutic activities. Based on these findings, the research team recommended implementation of an on-site garden. To support the implementation of these findings, the research team produced an in-service for rehab staff and administrators, a handout for family members with a loved one with dementia in a residential facility, and a handout for occupational therapy practitioners. It is recommended that the facility consider the findings of the CAT and the implementation products in the future development of their programming for residential clients with dementia.
Publication Place
Tacoma, Washington
Publisher
University of Puget Sound
Project Chairperson
Kirsten Wilbur, MSOT, OTR/L
Project Chairperson
Publication Date
5-2016
Genre
Capstone Project
Format
Language
English
Copyright Information
Terms of Use for work posted in Sound Ideas: http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/copyright.html
Degree Program
Occupational Therapy
Degree Level
Master of Science
Discipline
Occupational Therapy
School
University of Puget Sound
Recommended Citation
Ko, Angela and Williams, Jenna, "Impact of Garden Spaces on Dementia Residents: Translating Evidence-Based Research into Clinical Practice" (2016). School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021). 11.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ot_capstone/11
Capstone Approval