CARE FARMS
Commensa's
Course in CaregivingTM
takes inspiration from a specific practice of ecotherapy, care farms.
Care farming (also known as green care, farm care, or farming
for health), is well established in Europe and the United Kingdom. Care
farming has been defined as the “utilization of agricultural farms as a
basis for promoting human mental and physical health and social well-being”
(Hassink & van Dijk, 2006) with diverse benefits in physical, intellectual,
social, psychological, and spiritual/philosophical domains (Relf, 2006).
There is growing evidence that the experience provided by a Care Farm enhances
self-esteem, improves social skills, facilitates rehabilitation, teaches
responsibility, improves physical health, and fosters a sense of purpose
(Hassink & van Dijk). This is consistent with the concept of biophilia,
the notion that humans have a natural, evolved affinity for living systems
(Kellert, 1993). “Biophilic designs” are now being applied in health care
settings, as studies demonstrate a link between human health and contact
with nature, particularly restorative stress-reducing responses (Ulrich,
2008; Frumkin, 2008).
Care farms provide infrastructure and a conceptual and theoretical umbrella for integrating the therapeutic and supportive use of plants, animals, and psychoeducation. In the U.S., animal-assisted and horticultural therapies have substantial histories, but are less commonly “bundled” into the care farm framework typical of countries where the main organizing entities are national governments. In the U.S., elements of the care farm concept can be found in non-profit organizations such as Green Chimneys and the Colorado Boys Ranch. These and other organizations in the non-profit sector have developed over many decades, and their methods reflect the long association between farming and institutionalized living (hospitals, prisons, asylums) in the U.S. (Relf, 2006).
Although the model of care farm contained Commensa's Course in CaregivingTM draws inspiration from these historical antecedents, it stands apart from them in one important respect. Our approach to care farming embraces a different philosophy and ethical stance toward land and animals, one that informs both the practice of animal sanctuary and responsible land stewardship. This includes the principles of trans-species psychology that recognizes mutual emotional and psychological capacities across species. As such, a care farm is an ideal environment in which to learn and practice the art caregiving in a way that also transforms the caregiver.
Frumkin, H. (2008). Nature contact and human health: Buidling the evidence base. In S. R. Kellert, J. H. Heerwagen, & M. Mador (Eds.), Biophilic design: The theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life (pp.107-118). New York: Wiley.
Kellert, S. R. (1993). The biophilia hypothesis. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Hassink, J. &, van Dijk, M. (2006). Preface. In J. Hassink, & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for health: Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America. New York: Springer.
Relf, P. D. (2006). Agriculture and health care: the care of plants and animals for therapy and rehabilitation in the United States. In J. Hassink, & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for health: Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America (pp. 309-343-172). New York: Springer.
Ulrich, R. S. (2008). Biophilic theory and research for healthcare design. In S. R. Kellert, J. H. Heerwagen, & M. Mador (Eds.), Biophilic design: The theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life (pp. 87-106). New York: Wiley.
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