運用園藝療法改善機構老年人孤寂感之護理經驗

Nursing Experience of Applying Horticultural Therapy on Improving Loneliness among Institutionalized Elderly

本文描述護理人員運用園藝療法作為輔助療法，以改善一位機構老年人的孤寂感，進而減少其負向情緒之護理經驗。護理期間自2012年4月2日至6月2日止，運用整體性評估，了解個案身、心、智能、社會以及靈性之狀況，並確立個案最主要的健康問題為孤寂感的問題。因此透過筆者設計為期七週的園藝活動，使個案在參與體驗園藝活動中，促使個案增加人際互動，找出生活的重心，進而減少孤寂感，進而達到身、心的舒適和健康。期能藉此成功的照護經驗提供長期機構護理人員在照顧機構老年個案的參考，以幫助更多長期機構的老年人提昇身體及心理健康的程度，改善負面想法和情緒對疾病控制的影響並朝著正向發展。

This case report shared a successful experience of a nurse in applying horticultural activity as an adjunct therapy to lessen the feelings of loneliness and to reduce negative affects of an institutionalized elderly. Comprehensive assessment method was applied between April 2, 2012 and June 2, 2012 to understand the client's physical, mental, cognitive, social and spiritual conditions. It was established that loneliness was the major health concern for this client. The nurse designed a seven-week horticultural activity to help the client increase interaction with other residents and to re-identify the focus of life. The result revealed more positive affects towards life and reduced feeling of loneliness, and hence the client achieved a more comfortable state and improved health. We hope this article may help more care providers to use horticultural activities to enhance health and reduce negative thoughts in residents in the long-term care facilities.