Integration with Nature

Studies have proven to show the benefits of nature for NDIS participants, aged care clients, and early-onset dementia participants. Research has shown that Farms were identified as contributing positively to mental and social wellbeing of participants.

In several studies, the potential benefits of care farms for people with dementia in terms of health and well-being have been evaluated. These studies suggest care farms support contact with nature and anima ls, time spent outdoors, activity engagement, physical activity, structure, social interactions, healthy eating, and a sense of meaning in life. As such, they differ from regular dementia care environments where lower levels of physical activity and activity engagement, less time spent outdoors, and fewer social interactions have been observed. Furthermore, participants and their family caregivers experience less stigmatising because of dementia, since the care farm environment is a “normal” non-institutional kind of place. Instead, people with dementia may feel like a volunteer or an employee rather than a patient with cognitive and functional impairments. People with dementia additionally feel recognised, understood, and seen as people who can deliver a meaningful contribution.