| This multi-case study was designed to develop a better understanding and holistic description of the interrelationship among organizational/programming policies and spatial/physical attributes of the outdoor space in influencing how much this space was used by residents with dementia in long-term care (ltc) facilities. The protocol replicated at each site involved an initial site analysis, distribution of staff questionnaires, and behavior observations for 6 days, including 5 weekdays and Saturday at every site but one. The results of the study discussed the alignment and findings based on descriptive analysis and collected data at each site regarding the following factors: organizational policy, staff attitudes, visual access, physical access and garden design. The research did not demonstrate a strong link between staff attitudes as measured by responses to the “Garden Use” questionnaires and use of the outdoor space among residents. Stronger influences on use appeared to be physical access and programmed outdoor activities. The “Recommendations” and underlying theoretical framework diagrammed in the “Gardenuse Model” indicate that to achieve optimal use of the outdoor space among residents with dementia in ltc facilities, all of the above factors must be aligned and defined in a positive way at each facility. |
