An Integrative Approach to Therapeutic Outdoor Spaces in Dementia-Care Units

There is an evident gap in the research regarding the environmental needs of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and the design of therapeutic outdoor spaces for these persons. With the rapid growth of the aging population, appropriate outdoor spaces will become essential to improved quality of life for older adults with ADRD. This study explores nonpharmacological treatment approaches for persons with ADRD that can be facilitated in the outdoor environment. The study presents an examination of the literature, including theoretical frameworks and treatment approaches, interviews with professionals in the fields of landscape architecture and gerontology, and an assessment of case studies. Design guidelines identify the necessary landscape elements that can be incorporated in outdoor environments to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve positive affect and the overall quality of life for persons with dementia. This study concludes with an example of a prototypical wander garden design that responds to the design guidelines and addresses the physical and mental capabilities of persons with ADRD.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Landscape Architecture

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Department dc:contributor.department

Landscape Architecture

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Caniano, Gina Marie

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Jacobson, Wendy R.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Jarrott, Shannon E.
• Miller, Patrick A.

• Dementia
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Theory of Environmental Press
• Horticulture Therapy
• Emotion-Oriented Approaches

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-05182006-175357

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/32956