WHICH LESSONS CAN OTHER DEMENTIA CARE SETTINGS LEARN FROM GREEN CARE FARMS?

摘要

Earlier studies suggest that green care farms (GCFs) are a valuable addition to other dementia care services. We explored which lessons from GCFs could be implemented by regular long-term care institutions (RLTCIs) and which barriers and facilitators were expected. First, key lessons were identified by secondary data analysis addressing the following issues: 1. Aligning care with preferences and needs of people with dementia; 2. Making active use of stimulating elements in the care environment and 3. Implementing a different care philosophy and vision. Second, semi-structured interviews (n=33) were conducted with professionals from RLTCIs and GCFs. Barriers and facilitators were identified at three interrelated levels; context (financial, organizational, social, professional), dementia care setting and client group. At GCFs, a holistic, integrated way of working was implemented in everyday care compared with a more task-oriented approach in regular care. These results may inspire care institutions to develop more person-centered dementia care environments.