Articles
FOCAL POINTS ON THE UTILISATION OF RETIREMENT CENTRE GARDENS
Article number
643_26
Pages
209 – 213
Language
English
Abstract
Within the framework of the pilot project, Focal Points on the Utilisation of Retirement Centre Gardens, the specific issues relating to the utilisation and design of three retirement centre gardens from the point of view of both residents and staff were determined from semi-structured interviews.
The results showed that most respondents had a close affinity with nature, particularly flowers and plants.
On taking up residence in the retirement centre, all except one gave up their own garden.
The garden at the retirement centre was mainly used in a passive way, most of the areas not being used at all.
The residents did not identify with the garden.
Occupational therapists and nursing staff would like to integrate the garden into their work to a greater degree.
They expect that as a result, the elderly people would increase the passive use of the garden and also start to use it actively.
Semi-public areas and private retreats, such as shady recesses for individuals or small groups, were defined as desirable elements.
Generally speaking, the variety of plants should be widened.
The utilisation requirements that were roughly pinpointed in the pilot project will be analysed in detail in the research project, Therapeutic Gardens for Retirement Centres. Based on the results, the appropriate construction measures will subsequently be carried out.
Also, a concept for occupational therapy in the retirement centre garden will be elaborated.
A garden management concept for the maintenance and care of the garden, as well as a performance control, will serve as a quality assurance for the project.
The results showed that most respondents had a close affinity with nature, particularly flowers and plants.
On taking up residence in the retirement centre, all except one gave up their own garden.
The garden at the retirement centre was mainly used in a passive way, most of the areas not being used at all.
The residents did not identify with the garden.
Occupational therapists and nursing staff would like to integrate the garden into their work to a greater degree.
They expect that as a result, the elderly people would increase the passive use of the garden and also start to use it actively.
Semi-public areas and private retreats, such as shady recesses for individuals or small groups, were defined as desirable elements.
Generally speaking, the variety of plants should be widened.
The utilisation requirements that were roughly pinpointed in the pilot project will be analysed in detail in the research project, Therapeutic Gardens for Retirement Centres. Based on the results, the appropriate construction measures will subsequently be carried out.
Also, a concept for occupational therapy in the retirement centre garden will be elaborated.
A garden management concept for the maintenance and care of the garden, as well as a performance control, will serve as a quality assurance for the project.
Publication
Authors
R. Schneiter-Ulmann
Keywords
therapeutic gardens, retirement centres, elderly citizens, occupational therapy, garden management
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