Effects of a Garden Use Intervention on Daily Life and Quality of Life Among Nursing Home Residents Living with Dementia

This study examined the effect of a multicomponent garden use intervention—incorporating physical, social, and organizational environmental components—on garden use, daily life, and quality of life (QoL) of people living with dementia in a Dutch nursing home. Using the Maastricht Electronic Daily Life Observation Tool and QUALIDEM, outcomes were observed at baseline, 1 year (post), and 2 years (follow-up). Garden use slightly increased post-intervention but returned to baseline at follow-up. While using the new garden, participants spent less time on passive, meaningless activities and more on social interaction. Those with moderate dementia used the garden significantly more than those with severe dementia. QoL improvements were limited to social relations. In conclusion, the intervention showed some positive effects on garden use and daily life. Future multicomponent intervention research in complex nursing home environments should integrate process and outcome evaluations to better understand how interventions are developed, and implemented.