Assessing the effectiveness of horticultural therapy for family caregivers coping with dementia: A quasi-experimental mixed-method study

This study was designed to examine the degree to which horticultural therapy (HT) improves psychological well-being, relationship closeness, burden of care, caregiver self-efficacy and hope, among the family caregivers of people living with dementia. We utilized a quasi-experimental design employing a pre-post test methodology that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data. Forty family caregivers engaged in six weekly HT sessions, each lasting 60 min. Participants completed a self-administered structured questionnaire concerning the research variables prior to the first session and following the final session. Qualitative data were obtained from session diaries maintained by the HT therapists. The results revealed significant improvements in psychological well-being and caregiving self-efficacy. Qualitative analysis revealed three key themes: uncertainty and hope, coping with care responsibilities, and personal conflicts. The observed improvements in psychological well-being and caregiving self-efficacy indicate that HT may provide a valuable resource for caregivers.