Horticultural Therapy
Fall 2023 - Independent Study

Twin Cities Assisted Living Facility

Overview

For my independent study, I lead a Therapeutic Horticulture program at Twin Cities Pavilion assisted living facility in Niceville, FL. It was a six session series of activities involving flowers and plants that occurred every other Thursday, from September through November. I had an average of five participants in each activity, with a wide range of disabilities. I tailored my classes to be appropriate for participants with dementia, visual disabilities, those who have suffered a stroke, and anyone with a mobility issue that uses a wheelchair or walker.

This program sent the participants home with keepsakes they will cherish and share with their friends and family. The participants were encouraged to enjoy and utilize plants in their daily lives.

This program was designed to encourage the participating residents to:

Recall past memories and create new ones using sensory stimulation.
Improve motor control and dexterity.
Be creative.
Connect with nature and the present moment.
Create social connections with neighbors and facility staff.
Alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Activity #1

Herb Garden Planting

I brought in 4 hanging planters and 4 different types of herbs to plant in them. I chose oregano, thyme, lemon balm, and mint because they are all trailing and recognizable. The participants were encouraged to get their hands dirty and to smell, touch, and taste the plants. This activity was really fun for them, and I hung the planters on their porch afterwards. They now have an herb garden to source their own herbs for tea, food, and even to diffuse.

The scent and texture of the herbs will stimulate their senses as I encourage them to recall their past gardening experiences. Sharing tools and boxes will encourage socialization as well as teamwork between residents.

Activity #2

Flower Pressing

I brought in 60 cut Zinnia flowers from my garden for this activity. They were in a variety of bright colors including pink, orange, and yellow. The participants cut the heads off with scissors, pat them dry with a paper towel, and then press them into hardback books lined with newspaper.

The participants were encouraged to touch, smell, and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. This activity focuses on participant dexterity. Once dried after 1 month, they will be used in Activity #4.

Activity #3

Basil Propagation

I brought in 18 Greek basil and 18 Holy basil (Tulsi) plants. The participants were shown where to cut the stems, and how to strip the leaves off at the bottom. They had the option to place them either in soil or in water. The glasses and pots were placed in the windowsill of the room so the participants could keep an eye on them as they grow roots.

This activity was meant to increase their confidence and get them excited to create and grow new plants. Once well established, they can be added into the herb garden from Activity #1.

Activity #4

Flower Frame Creation

For this activity, each participant chose their own picture frame from an assortment I brought in. For those that attended Activity #2, they used their own book of dried flowers to get creative and make a work of art. I did bring in a box of more dried flowers for those who missed the previous activity or if anyone needed additional flowers to complete their frame.

The results of this activity were outstanding. All participants loved creating, and each piece was truly unique. They were excited to share them with facility staff as well as their loved ones. It helped with their dexterity and hand eye coordination.

Activity #5

Indoor Potted Plant

For this activity, I brought in 3 different types of plants that like low light and don't need a lot of water. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and Pothos. Every participant was given an empty terracotta pot (with a saucer) and told to fill it with soil and to plant the plant(s) of their choosing.

The goal was for them to have their own plant for their room to make it feel more like a home while also giving them the responsibility of something to care for. These pieces were equally as unique as the flower frames and all participants really enjoyed making them.

Activity #6

Herb Satchel & Tea Time

I brought in 5 different types of herbs for this class. 4 were used in the herb satchels. Rosemary for memory, lemon balm for relaxation, lavender for sleep, and peppermint for uplifting. The participants could mix these 4 however they pleased and keep the herb satchel to carry on their person or leave under their pillow.

Then we all had a cup butterfly pea tea. Which is a very sweet, mild tea that turns the water blue. When lemon is added it turns purple, which was very exciting for the participants. This activity intended to wind down the program and give participants a chance to reflect.

Conclusion

Residents of assisted living facilities are my client group of choice to work with

I learned so much from this independent study project. The knowledge I gained about the client group was equally as important to what I learned about the facility and others like it. Many assisted living facilities struggle financially, so it will most likely be up to me and my team to get grants and raise funds. These residents are much busier than I anticipated as well, so scheduling conflicts are bound to occur between doctors appointments, family visits, and other activities and events hosted there.

As far as this client group, I learned a lot about them too. The most important was that dementia is a spectrum and effects people in different ways mentally and physically. I definitely need at least one other person assisting me in these activities. Even with 5 participants, I could only physically help 1 person at a time. I have gained confidence in my abilities to instruct horticultural activities and how to communicate with people of varying disabilities. I am excited for my next program at a new assisted living facility in the summer of 2024!

Horticultural Therapy Fall 2023 - Independent Study