The scientific advancement of two nature-based interventions for people with dementia: adaptive riding and adaptive gardening
Date
2021
Authors
Lassell, Rebecca K. F., author
Wood, Wendy, advisor
Cross, Jennifer, committee member
Schmid, Arlene, committee member
Stallones, Lorann, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
People living with dementia are at risk for decreased quality of life (QoL). QoL may be supported through adaptive riding and horsemanship activities and adaptive gardening, two nature-based interventions; yet, they require further scientific advancement. This dissertation sought to scientifically advance adaptive riding and adaptive gardening for people with dementia. Study one, a mixed methods descriptive case study, addressed the development of an adaptive riding intervention and resulted in a logic model linking its purpose, assumptions, components, occupational opportunities, and immediate outcomes of QoL for participants with dementia. Study two, a quantitative case study compared adaptive riding and adaptive gardening, targeted development and piloting, and revealed that both supported participants' emotional well-being and participation, two dimensions of QoL, with significantly longer durations of complex participation observed during adaptive riding. Study one provided the first published logic model for a nature-based intervention involving animals, whereas study two served as the first nature comparison for this population. Both interventions were scientifically advanced from development to piloting and described in-depth to inform future replication. Next, care partners' perceptions should be explored. The novel observational approach applied in both studies may be helpful to describe other nature-based interventions, and may also contribute to occupational science with a method for situating occupations in the here and now.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
animal-assisted interventions
green spaces
quality of life
equine-assisted services
Alzheimer's disease
horticulture therapy