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Biodiverse Microfarming, therapy animals such as highland cows, goats and egg-laying chickens, and our therapeutic care team!

What is a Care Farm?

Through the therapeutic use of farming practices, care farms can provide health, social and educational care services for vulnerable groups of people. This includes supporting Aging Seniors struggling with Dementia, or those looking to improve their Mental health, and those just looking to spend time outside with nature and animals. 

Care Farm Benefits

"Studies confirmed that time spent with other people in a natural environment where you can learn and grow will only do you good." (Elings & Hassink, 2008)

There is a well-established and growing body of evidence that shows that spending time hands-on with plants and animals can make a noticeable difference to your well-being.
Some of those benefits include:

  • Preventing deterioration in many conditions

  • Increase cognitive function, emotional and psychological wellbeing

  • Reduction in stress/anxiety

  • Improved social interaction

  • Grief Recovery

  • Enhanced confidence and sense of achievement

  • Developing awareness of well-being

  • Working individually and as part of a team

  • Opportunity to give back to the community

  • Improving gross and fine motor skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Gaining dignity and independence

  • Increased self-esteem

  • Opportunity to meet and engage with new people

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Thistle House Farm Layout

This layout diagram above is a phased growth Farm initiative.  For the Grand Opening in April 2025 we hope to have the Sensory Garden, Vegetable Gardens, Gazebo for client shelter, and will be welcoming our Therapy Farm Animals - egg-laying chickens all up and running for our Care Day Program start.

 

In summer 2025 we will be adding the Milk Thistle Butterfly activity and Sunflower Patch.

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In Spring 2026 we will be constructing our far field Barn and welcoming our therapy goats and cow staff!

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Program Rates

COMING SOON!

Day program offerings - Spring 2025

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  • Senior's Day Program

    125$
     

  • Youth Education Sessions

    75$
     

Senior's Day Program Survey

We really need to hear from Seniors and their Care Partners, if there is an interest for a Care Program and specifically one on a care farm.

Please fill in the below survey so we can understand if there is a need and interest in a Seniors Day Program.

What is your relationship to the person with dementia?
Spouse
Child
Sibling
Friend
Other
What stage of dementia has been diagnosed?
Early Stage
Middle Stage
Late Stage
Unknown
Do you currently use any day programs or respite services?
Yes
No
Unsure
If yes, what type of programs do you use?
How interested would you be in a day program that offered activities in a care farm setting?
Very Interested
Somewhat Interested
Neutral
Not very interested
Not at all interested
What activities would you like to see included in the program?
How much would you be willing to pay PER DAY for such a program?
Less than $50
$50-$100
$100-$200
More than $200
Other
Would you require or be interested in financial assistance or subsidies to help cover the cost of the day program?
Yes
No
Other
What are the most important factors for choosing a day program for your loved one?
Would you require transportation for your loved one?
Yes
No
If yes, would you be willing to pay extra for pick up / drop off services?
Yes
No
If you do NOT require transportation services, how far would you be willing to travel to take your loved one to a care farm?
< 5 kms
5-15 kms
15-25 kms
26+ kms
Preferred Contact Type:
Email
Phone Call
Either
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