RESEARCH
Working at Green Care Farms and Other Innovative Small-Scale Long-Term Dementia Care Facilities Requires Different Competencies of Care Staff
Summary
The research explores how Green Care Farms, which integrate agricultural activities with dementia care, require unique staff competencies compared to traditional nursing homes. Through interviews with care staff and managers across various long-term care settings, the study identifies key skills needed in Green Care Farms, such as the ability to integrate meaningful activities into daily care and handle multiple responsibilities independently. Unlike traditional large-scale facilities, where care tasks are often divided, staff at Green Care Farms are expected to engage residents in activities like gardening, animal care, and household chores, fostering a more inclusive and stimulating environment.
In contrast, traditional care facilities emphasize medical and direct care tasks with a structured, institutional approach. Across all settings, strong communication skills were deemed essential, particularly in tailoring interactions to individuals with dementia. The study suggests that hiring and training programs should prioritize these competencies, particularly in innovative dementia care models. It also underscores the importance of shifting away from purely medicalized care models toward more holistic, person-centered approaches that encourage resident engagement and autonomy.
