Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes, Inc.

P.O. Box 805, Grandville, MI  49468-0805

Mike Burri   616.299.7321       Rich Straub  616.318.8664      Don Kramer  616.534.5524

       Bob Becker  616.874.7403       Melodie Schmidt  616.666.4646     Don Campbell   616.457.1836    



Horticultural Therapy Program

The goal of this program is to provide experiences and opportunities that will enhance the quality of life for low functioning older adults.  Betsy works with people who suffer from a wide range of physical and emotional problems and are facing end-of-life issues.  A large number are depressed.   75-minute sessions are scheduled bi-weekly for 14 units, including two psych units,  two Alzheimer’s units, and 10 general units.  She travels with a flower cart and  works in each unit’s dining room or day room.  Groups range in size from 4 to 20, with most being about 10.  About 90% are elderly men; the rest are women or younger men. 

Goals of horticultural therapy include:

            Improving social skills and group interaction

            Sharing stories and reminiscing about past gardening experiences

            Learning to cooperate

            Helping those less able and accepting help when necessary

            Learning a new leisure activity

            Using gardening activities to help deal with losses  

            Health benefits:  exercise, breathing, stretching, nutrition

            Reaping the benefits from nurturing a plant

            Taking risks, trying something new, becoming open-minded

            Focusing on what one CAN do, not what one can’t do

            Using nature and plants to remind us of all we are grateful for

            Creative self-expression – feeling valued for being unique       

            Choosing a positive attitude, supporting one another

            Learning facts about plants

            Improve attention span       
            Creating a special gardening/flower area for active and passive enjoyment

            Learning to complete tasks sequentially – soil, seed, water

            Becoming aware of seasons, holidays and weather

  Enhance self-esteem by helping to beautify courtyard gardens and green spaces

            Noticing and appreciating the wonder and beauty in nature

            Looking forward to the future

            HAVING FUN!