- Hortitherapy as a Method of Treating Civilizational Diseases

Abstract

Background Hortitherapy is a method used in treatment of different diseases. Our research (space around the centers for people with Alzheimer disease, Autism and neurological disorders) shows that the garden is a place which may be suitable for needs of a visitor with a variety of dysfunctions, the most important thing is the right and well prepared project. All of the elements, plants and others, should fulfil the therapy standards. Methods Many modern diseases are incurable, and you can only reduce symptoms or work through the prevention of suffering. Tested centers act as caring and palliative places, because during therapy there should be a garden with a whole range of possibilities that the therapy offers for patients. Thanks to the proper observation, social interview, and active participation of all members the design process, we may support and improve therapy by garden. Neatly appraise physical, psychosocial and spiritual capabilities of the patients and also their relative and families. They were made analysis of user needs and the capabilities and limitations of spaces around centers. They all became the basis for the model space providing comfort and safety of users. Results Result of the research is creating guidelines for designing the space around centers for people with mental weakness, biology and psychophysical dysfunction, but first of all disturbing and increasing social risks, especially diseases of the nervous system, Alzheimer's disease Autism and neurological disorders. Conclusions The right project of a hortitherapy garden is possible only in collaboration of a designer and therapist. Recognizing the needs of a patient is enormously important because every single disease requires different, personal space requirement. Hortitherapy gives hope to improve the comfort of hospitalized patients, especially diseases.