Our day program will provide a purposeful and enriching day of gardening activities for people with dementia.

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Our program will run weekly on Wednesday.  Caregivers will drop off their loved one, referred to as a GCF member, between 9-10am and pick up will be between 2-3pm.  Caregivers can take this opportunity to run errands, attend appointments, or take time for themselves.

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We will be providing personal support workers to assist where needed during our program.  Our GCF member to staff ratio will be 3:1.  Our GCF members will be valued contributing participants in the care of our orchard, vegetable garden and sensory garden.  Our program will offer physical activity, social engagement, nutritious snacks and meals, friendly trained staff, and a beautiful environment.

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A typical day for a GCF member will include a morning welcome with refreshments and a goal setting time.  Here we will see what needs attention in our gardens and divide the tasks based on interest and ability.  At noon, we will gather at the harvest table for a delicious meal provided by one of our local businesses.  

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After lunch, we may do more work in the garden or take the opportunity to relax and visit with one another.  We can reflect on the day as a group and see what we might focus on for the next program day.

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Examples of daily activities:  planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, plant selection, wildlife observation, garden design, snack preparation and strolls in nature.

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​How do I know if I’m right for Meaford Green Care Farm?
Although we would love to serve everyone at Meaford Green Care Farm, we want everyone to be as safe as possible and we must limit our services to folks who meet the following criteria:

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• Living with a diagnosed or suspected cognitive impairment (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.)

• Physically mobile and can walk, sit and stand independently

• Able to take any medication required independently

• Able to eat and drink independently

• Interested in, or currently enjoys, outdoor activities, spending time outdoors, and/or had a career working outdoors (e.g. farmers, environmentalists, gardeners)

• Would be supportive of growing fresh produce in the program to donate to the OSHaRE (Owen Sound Hunger & Relief Effort).

 

Meaford Green Care Farm is committed to making our programming an inclusive space and welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

 
We find that many care partners of our members are in need of respite or time away from their loved one where they can run errands and engage in self-care activities. This is especially needed for care partners of people with young or early onset dementia when a care partner is still working or needing to generate income for the family. The program is a helpful intervention for people with dementia who like to keep active, moving and busy.

At this time, we are unable to provide services to people who fully depend on an assistive devices or mobility aids to get around (e.g. full and complete dependence on a walker, wheelchair, or cane), who need more than 1 person to provide physical assistance to walk/sit/stand/use the washroom, or require assistance with eating or drinking. In addition to the activities mentioned, staff will not be able to provide direct assistance to members with taking medications (we can cue). If you feel your person could manage the program with a mobility aid, we are open to discussing the unique personal experience of your loved one. If informed consent is given, understanding of the potential associated risks with their participation, we will work to support people with dementia to be outside.

As with any physical activity, there is a level of risk when engaging in activity on a farm, especially in the outdoors where terrain may be uneven or other risks are present (like when using garden tools). Meaford Green Care Farm embraces a ‘risk tolerant’ perspective and prioritizes quality of life and engagement in activities that provide joy to members. 

If you are not sure if Meaford Green Care Farm is right for you and your family, please contact us at (548) 364-2206 or meafordgcf@gmail.com. We would be happy to discuss!