Abstract
This paper proposes a system architecture for a stress relief program for improving nursing home residents' (including dementia patients') quality of life through the use of horticultural activity. The system consists of three sub-systems (Reference Identifier, Program Optimizer and Outcome Evaluator). The first sub-system determines a standard stress level expressed by physiological parameters based on individual attributes such as gender, age and preferences. Those who have psychological barrier tend to avoid participation in group activity. The quality of life of residents will be improved if their barrier is eliminated or reduced. A properly designed horticultural therapy program reduces the stresses of residents. Such stress relief helps residents to overcome any psychological barrier.
The systems approach was applied to identify the management program for nursing home residents' quality of life. Neural networks were successfully utilized to model the relationships between various parameters involved in those subsystems.
