Green care
Green care research
A growing number of people make use of 'green care': health and social care services provided by care farms. However, scientific evidence for the therapeutic effects of green care is still scant. Research is needed to determine the specific benefits of green care for various patient groups, including people with mental health problems, drug or alcohol addictions, or mental disabilities. Together with Wageningen University the Louis Bolk Institute carries out various studies on the therapeutic effects of working and living on care farms.A growing number of care farms
During the last ten years the number of care farms in the Netherlands has skyrocketed, growing from 90 farms in 1999 to about 1000 in 2009. The Dutch national AWBZ insurance (Exceptional Medical Expenses Act) entitles patients to a personal care-budget for specific health services, including green care. This system depends on the professional quality of health services offered, and requires a clear insight into their effectiveness. As green care is a relatively new service, scientific assessment of its effectiveness is imperative.Our approach to outcome studies
Based on an inventory of green care concepts, we have formulated various hypotheses to test a selected number of promising green care programmes. Both quantitative and qualitative effects are taken into account. Thanks to our combined expertise in agricultural research and health care studies we are in a unique position to carry out this study.You may also like to read:
Why the Louis Bolk Institute
Why the Louis Bolk Institute
