Volunteering on a Green Care Farm: Supporting People with Dementia

4 Jun 2024

Green Care Farm supports people with dementia and their families, offering an innovative alternative to traditional day programs

As part of 2024's festivities for national volunteer week in Ireland 20-26^th of May. I wish to showcase a story from my sabbatical at McMaster University. In collaboration with Professor Sharon Kaasalainen, I had the opportunity to volunteer on a Green Care Farm with Rebekah Churchyard and her team. This Green Care Farm supports people with dementia and their families, offering an innovative alternative to traditional day programs. Originating from the Netherlands, the concept of Green Care Farms emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches for people with dementia. These farms provide meaningful activities for individuals living with dementia, allowing them to engage with nature in a supportive environment. Rebekah’s program gives people with dementia the opportunity to safely participate in outdoor physical activity and stimulate their senses of smell, touch, and taste. These components help improve mood and social engagement, which are vital to health.

Canada has a long history of robust volunteerism, yet the sector has faced challenges, especially during the pandemic. Despite obstacles, volunteer organizations have continued to serve their communities, highlighting the need to revitalize volunteer efforts in the face of an aging population, growing loneliness, and the climate crisis.

Rebekah Churchyard, a Project Management Professional and Psychotherapist, leads the Green Care Farm in Milton, outside of Toronto. Her volunteer experience in charitable board governance and municipal policy has been instrumental in establishing the volunteer program, but also support from friends, family, colleagues and supporters that have witnessed Rebekah’s build the Green Care Farm Inc. into a reality over time.

From my experience on this farm, I witnessed how volunteers play a crucial role in preparing the farm for the new season. Many volunteers were meeting for the first time and connecting through similar interests and experiences. Thirty-six people signed up for the day, which had a meticulously planned day of activities for the volunteer to get stuck in. This planning ensured that everyone was informed and could contribute according to their abilities and preferences. Refreshments were provided throughout the day (10 am-3 pm), allowing volunteers to take breaks, mingle and enjoy snacks when needed. The day engaged a variety of ages with diverse skills, including novices like myself. There was something for everyone.

As part of the ‘sign up’ process, volunteers could select tasks based on their skills and interests. The day began with a huddle to go over the tasks, which included:

• Preparing the garden beds
• Spreading mulch and soil (on the ground and in boxes)
• Planting, including laying landscaping fabric and cutting out planting holes
• Assembling/building a gazebo (including preparing a cement base)
• Assembling/building benches

During the day, I was reminded of the song “Whistle While You Work,” as people were chatting and happily completing their tasks. By the end of the day, the farm garden was transformed from a weedy, wild half-acre to a groomed landscape ready for planting and sowing seeds, leaving volunteers with a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. The conversations illustrated the social connections among the volunteers, with exchanges of information on various topics, from the activities at hand to the latest on social media.

Volunteering at Rebekah’s farm has been a fulfilling experience. I learned new skills (gardening) and felt a sense of belonging even though I was far from home. Engaging in volunteer activities helps bridge gaps in social services and brings diverse groups together, promoting inclusivity and mutual support. Whether it is part of national volunteer week or other opportunities that arise, it is important to contribute when time allows.