Project Grow: Establishing an Intergenerational Falls Prevention Gardening Programme
Project Grow: Establishing an Intergenerational Falls Prevention Gardening Programme
Wandsworth Integrated Falls and Bone Health Service (IF & BHS) provides an evidence-based
 falls prevention exercise programme, but yearly about 500 of 1800 patients decline
 participation or do not continue to exercise. Our study seeks to address this efficiency gap
 by developing a gardening programme as an alternative to traditional exercise. In a
 preparation period (4/17-5/17) we will explore the special needs of the target population
 through interviews and create an age appropriate gardening site at "Growhampton", a gardening
 project run by the University of Roehampton; from 5/17 to 9/17 a falls prevention gardening
 group will be implemented and evaluated.
The key purpose of the study is to provide and test an intergenerational gardening project as
 a choice for about 30 IF & BHS patients who would otherwise decline exercise interventions.
 Patients previously assessed by Wandsworth Integrated Falls & Bone Health Services have
 identified gardening as an enjoyable alternative to exercise classes. Gardening sessions will
 take place weekly (aiming for 3 groups with 10 patients and 2-4 students and/or staff members
 of the University of Roehampton). Through engaging patients in gardening activities the study
 seeks to achieve 4 main aims: 1. Increase physical activity levels; 2. improve mental and
 physical health outcomes; 3. foster self-efficacy and social connectedness; 4. reduce the
 risk of falls. The at falls risk population will benefit by engaging in a meaningful activity
 (designed and supported by clinicians and aided by students and staff members) which delivers
 on the core principles of strength, power, balance and coordination.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Having had a Falls and Bone Health Assessment by the Integrated Falls and Bone Health
 Service (IF & BHS) Wandsworth

 -  Having falls or bone health risk factors but being able to mobilise without walking
 aids

 -  Having been assessed by IF & BHS as having capacity to take part in a gardening
 intervention programme

 -  Having indicated an interest in attending a gardening group following the IF & BHS
 assessment if they a) do not want to participate in any other elements of the IF & BHS
 programme or if they b) have completed other elements of the service offered by the IF
 & BHS, e.g. exercise groups, Nordic walking or Zumba gold.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Having a known diagnosis of dementia

 -  Not being able to adequately understand verbal explanations or written information
 given in English

 -  Having a falls risk profile that indicates that the individual has high falls risk in
 this context - this is a clinical decision and will take account of a number of
 variables including mobility (Timed up & Go of more than 20 sec) and their general
 health (e.g., large postural drop, uncontrolled diabetes, significant behaviour that
 challenges).