Exploring the Role of Farm Animals in Providing Care at Care Farms

Abstract

Simple SummaryThis paper provides insight into the role of farm animals in farm-based programs and their importance to different types of participants. Farm animals provide real work, close relationships, challenging tasks and opportunities for reflection. They also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for various types of participants.AbstractWe explore the role of farm animals in providing care to different types of participants at care farms (e.g., youngsters with behavioural problems, people with severe mental problems and people with dementia). Care farms provide alternative and promising settings where people can interact with animals compared to a therapeutic healthcare setting. We performed a literature review, conducted focus group meetings and carried out secondary data-analysis of qualitative studies involving care farmers and different types of participants. We found that farm animals are important to many participants and have a large number of potential benefits. They can (i) provide meaningful day occupation; (ii) generate valued relationships; (iii) help people master tasks; (iv) provide opportunities for reciprocity; (v) can distract people from them problems; (vi) provide relaxation; (vii) facilitate customized care; (viii) facilitate relationships with other people; (ix) stimulate healthy behavior; (x) contribute to a welcoming environment; (xi) make it possible to experience basic elements of life; and (xii) provide opportunities for reflection and feedback. This shows the multi-facetted importance of interacting with animals on care farms. In this study the types of activities with animals and their value to different types of participants varied. Farm animals are an important element of the care farm environment that can address the care needs of different types of participants.

Achieving happiness at care farms in the Netherlands

“…The degree of focus on agriculture on one hand, and these other services on the other hand, differs. The number of care farms in the Netherlands has increased tremendously, from 75 in 1998 (Ernst & Young, 2012) to approximately 1,100 in 2017 (Hassink, De Bruin, Berget & Elings, 2017a). Among those to whom the Long-Term Care Act 1 applies, 10-15% participate at a care farm (Van Rijn, 2014).…”

“…In several research studies, participants and care farmers have been asked to evaluate the qualities and values they experienced at the care farm (Elings, 2012;Hassink et al, 2017a;Hassink, De Bruin, Verbeek & Buist, 2017b;Hemingway, Ellis-Hill & Norton, 2016;Hine et al, 2008;Leck, Upton & Evans, 2015). These studies revealed several features.…”

“…Participants have the opportunity to connect and bond with the animals, which is educational and provides experience of the affective aspects of life (Hassink et al, 2017a). The variation in these tasks creates opportunities for some participants to prepare for regular work or education, for in addition to agricultural tasks, there are many household chores that can be learned and completed (Hassink et al, 2017b;Hemingway et al, 2016).…”

“…In many cases, such farms are managed by agricultural professionals, who are considered authorities due to their agricultural knowledge and leadership role within the farm (Hassink & Ketelaars, 2003). Concerning the interaction with animals and plants, some care farmers indicate the potential for a certain reciprocity as unique feature, because participants relate to the animals and plants in the capacity of caregivers, which makes them feel content and happy (Hassink et al, 2017a(Hassink et al, , 2017bHemingway et al, 2016). Several studies reveal that participants positively evaluate the care farmers' personal approach, attention, and involvement with the participants' wellbeing without too much focus on disabilities, problems, or psychiatric history (Hassink et al, 2017b, Hassink et al, 2011Leck et al, 2015).…”

How can assessment systems be used to evaluate healthcare activities in the care farms?

“…This is verifiable in the local welfare systems because they are more effective in promoting actions to increase the efficiency of traditional networks based on reception, reciprocity and promotion of practices enhancing the individual's well-being (Hart, 2013;. In this sense, social farming shows itself as an innovation capable to give benefits not only for the public health sector, but also for who could improve their social-health status with other activities (Hassink et al, 2017). A better understanding of the therapeutic interventions effects in the SA can develop innovative tools in the field of healthy lifestyle (Fraser et al, 2005;Fritze et al, 2008) and, at the same time, be a strategic element in the evolution of a multifunctional farming practice.…”