What is Nursing Home Horticultural Therapy?

Nursing home garden therapy refers to elderly individuals participating in the healing process through structured activities in a natural environment. This method encompasses many benefits, such as not only growing plants, but also touching the soil, caring for plants, garden design, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

As one of the modern approaches applied in nursing homes, horticultural therapy breaks the daily routines of the elderly, providing them with a sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection. Research shows that elderly individuals participating in nursing home garden therapy programs experience a higher quality of life and reduced rates of depression.

Physical Benefits of Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy applied in nursing homes plays a significant role in increasing the physical activity levels of elderly individuals:

• Reduction of Mobility Impairments: Gardening encourages movement in the form of light exercise and increases physical flexibility.
• Vitamin D Production: Exposure to sunlight ensures the body produces vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
• Cardiovascular Health: Regular gardening activities act as light aerobic exercise that improves heart health.
• Improvement of Sleep Quality: Exposure to natural light and physical activity help regulate sleep patterns.
• Preservation of Visual Acuity: Green spaces and the colors of plants provide a therapeutic effect that supports eye health.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits

Nursing home garden therapy practices also have profound effects on the mental health of the elderly. According to results observed in modern nursing homes in Turkey:

• Reduction in Anxiety and Stress: Interaction with nature is effective in lowering stress hormones in the body.
• Alleviation of Depression Symptoms: Spending time in the garden and the sense of accomplishment alleviate psychiatric disorders in the elderly.
• Increase in Social Interaction: Shared gardening activities strengthen friendship and social bonds among the elderly.
• Enhancement of Cognitive Functions: Garden planning and plant care stimulate memory and decision-making abilities.
• Finding a Purpose in Life: Witnessing the growth of plants redefines the meaning of life for elderly individuals.

Nursing Home Garden Therapy Practices in Turkey

As of 2026, nursing homes in Turkey are placing increasing importance on horticultural therapy practices. Modern care homes in major cities, especially Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, are designing rooftop gardens, greenhouse environments, and therapy gardens.

According to research conducted by the Center for Social and Economic Research (SERM) in 2025-2026, elderly satisfaction in nursing homes implementing horticultural therapy has increased by 35%. Additionally, when making the right choice of nursing home, facility gardens and therapy programs have become important criteria.

Implementation of Nursing Home Horticultural Therapy

Garden Design and Accessibility

An effective nursing home garden therapy program should include wide pathways designed for individuals with physical disabilities, seating areas, and low-maintenance plant selection. San