Uporaba senzoričnega vrta za dobro počutje starejših : diplomsko delo

Merhar, Manca (author), Gričar, Nevenka (mentor), Bratun, Urša (reviewer)

Uvod: Proces staranja prinaša številne spremembe, ki ne vključujejo le postopnega upada telesnih in senzoričnih funkcij, temveč tudi pomembne pridobitve, kot so življenjska modrost, bogate izkušnje ter večja osredotočenost na smiselne aktivnosti oz. okupacije. Številne spremembe v procesu staranja lahko vplivajo na stopnjo samostojnosti posameznika in njegovo splošno počutje. Zaradi teh sprememb se povečuje potreba po podpornih okoljih, zlasti v institucionalnem varstvu, ki starejšim odraslim omogočajo aktivno udeležbo, ohranjanje samostojnosti in kakovostno staranje. Naravno okolje, zlasti senzorični vrtovi, predstavljajo pomemben prostor, saj z multisenzorično stimulacijo omogočajo pozitivne čustvene, telesne in socialne izkušnje ter prispevajo k dobrobiti in boljšemu doživljanju vsakdanjega življenja v domovih starejših občanov. Namen: Namen diplomskega dela je bil pridobiti informacije o izkušnjah in doživljanju stanovalcev doma starejših občanov ob vključevanju v aktivnosti na senzoričnem vrtu ter raziskati doprinos senzoričnega vrta k njihovemu počutju. Metode dela: Uporabljena je bila kvalitativna raziskovalna metodologija. Podatki so bili zbrani z opazovanjem z udeležbo in s polstrukturiranimi intervjuji. V raziskavi so sodelovale štiri stanovalke doma starejših občanov, starejše od 65 let, ki so bile kognitivno funkcionalne in prostovoljno vključene v aktivnosti na senzoričnem vrtu. Zbrani podatki so bili analizirani s tematsko analizo. Rezultati: Oblikovali smo šest glavnih tem: (1) občutki ob izvajanju aktivnosti na vrtu, (2) izkušnje vodijo v obujanje spominov, (3) senzorične izkušnje, (4) dobrobit vrta, (5) težave z dostopnostjo ter (6) socialna dimenzija. Aktivnosti na senzoričnem vrtu pozitivno vplivajo na čustveno in osebno blagostanje udeleženk raziskave, omogočajo bogate senzorične izkušnje, spodbujajo obujanje spominov in krepitev socialnih stikov ter zmanjšajo pojav občutka osamljenosti. Udeleženke so izpostavile tudi nekatere težave pri dostopnosti vrta, zato je zelo pomembna zasnova senzoričnega vrta za uporabnike. Razprava in zaključek: Ugotovitve raziskave kažejo, da lahko senzorični vrt prispeva k boljšemu počutju stanovalcev v domu starejših občanov, saj vključevanje v aktivnosti na senzoričnem vrtu omogoča smiselno preživljanje prostega časa. Zato senzorični vrt predstavlja dragocen element v domovih starejših občanov.

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: diplomska dela, delovna terapija, starejši odrasli, naravno okolje, dom starejših občanov, kvalitativna raziskava
• Work type: Bachelor thesis/paper
• Typology: 2.11 - Undergraduate Thesis
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: [M. Merhar]
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: VIII, 28 str., [7] str. pril.
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-181862
• UDC: 615.851
• COBISS.SI-ID: 275562499
• Publication date in RUL: 17.04.2026

Secondary language

• Language: English
• Title: The use of a sensory garden for the well-being of older adults : diploma work

Abstract

Introduction: The aging process brings many changes, including not only a gradual significant decline in the body's sensory functions, but also important gains such as life wisdom, rich experiences and a greater focus on meaningful activities. However, many changes in the aging process can also affect an individual's level of independence and their overall well-being. These changes increase the need for supportive environments, especially in institutional care, that enable older adults to participate actively, maintain their independence and age well. The natural environment, especially sensory gardens, represents an important space, as it provides multisensory stimulation, positive emotional, physical and social experiences and contributes to the well-being and a better experience of everyday life in nursing homes. Purpose: The aim of this diploma work was to obtain information about the experiences and perceptions of residents of a nursing home when engaging in activities in the sensory garden and to investigate the contribution of a sensory garden to their well-being. Methods: A qualitative research methodology was used. Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The study included four residents of a nursing home, aged over 65 years, who were cognitively functional and voluntarily involved in activities in the sensory garden. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We have formulated six main themes: (1) feelings when performing activities in the garden, (2) experiences lead to the recall of memories, (3) sensory experiences, (4) the well-being of the garden, (5) accessibility issues, and (6) the social dimension. Activities in the sensory garden have a positive impact on emotional and personal well-being, thanks to rich sensory experiences, they promote the recall of memories and strengthen social contacts, and they reduce the feelings of loneliness. The participants also highlighted some problems with accessibility of the garden, which is why the design of the sensory garden is very important. Discussion and conclusion: The findings of the study show that sensory gardens can contribute to the well-being of residents in nursing homes, as participating in activities in sensory gardens allows them to spend their free time in a meaningful way. Sensory gardens are therefore a valuable addition to nursing homes.

• Keywords: diploma theses, occupational therapy, older adults, natural environment, nursing home, qualitative research