Evaluation of a Horticultural Therapy Program for Care Home Residents with Mental Illness

Abstract

Horticulture has long been used as a leisure or social activity in care homes, but there were few evaluation studies of Horticultural Therapy (HT) for care homes residents with mental illness. This study examined the process and outcomes of a standardized horticultural therapy program for care home residents with severe mental illness. Fifty participants were randomly assigned to an 8-session HT group and a comparison group (n = 25 for each group). The process and outcomes of the program, including stress and anxiety, mental well-being, and degree of engagement in meaningful activities were obtained through self-completed questionnaires and observational ratings of participants during the group sessions. The results supported that HT significantly promoted participants’ mental wellbeing, engagement, and sense of meaningfulness and achievement. The evidence provides support on the effectiveness of HT for care home residents with long-term mental illnesses.