TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY: EXPERIENCES OF PROVIDING FARM-BASED DAYCARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Abstract This study gives a deeper understanding of how service providers think and work when offering farm-based days care (FDC) services for people with dementia. Seven semi-structured interviews with service providers, analyzed using text condensation, resulted in the five main themes; “On fertile ground”; “The foundation”; “Activities with rippling effects”, “Positive social and emotional environment” and, “Making room”. The theme “On fertile ground”, reflects the ordinary aspect of the farm context; closeness to nature and the home-like atmosphere. “The foundation” describes the extraordinary aspect of FDC; the service providers relentless effort to tailor all aspects of the service to the attendees. These two themes lay the foundation for the activities, the social setting, and possibilities for having a personal focus, reflected in the three remaining themes. The study gives an enhanced understanding of the key role of the service provider and how they offer person-center care in the farm context.