Exploring contemporary views on Green Care Farms from a Canadian perspective

Background: Green Care Farms (GCFs) are an emerging model of dementia care that integrate agricultural and outdoor activities into care environments and have demonstrated benefits for quality of life internationally. Despite growing interest, GCFs have not been implemented within Canadian long-term care (LTC) settings. This study aimed to explore interest holder perceptions regarding the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of implementing GCFs as a residential dementia care model in Canada. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten interest holders in Ontario and Saskatchewan, including LTC administrators, executives, policymakers, and family care partners. Interviews were conducted in person, by telephone, or via videoconferencing, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, following an iterative process of coding, theme development, and review to identify patterns of meaning across participant accounts. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: social and engaging care, safety concerns, barriers to implementation, and infrastructure considerations. Participants viewed GCFs as having strong potential to enhance quality of life for people living with dementia through meaningful activity, social connection, and person-centred approaches, including reframing long-term care as a place to live rather than solely a place to die. However, significant concerns were raised regarding resident safety, risk management, and infection control, particularly in relation to outdoor environments and animals. Perceived barriers included restrictive funding models, legislative and policy constraints, and regulatory requirements that limit innovation within LTC. Discussion of infrastructure considerations highlighted the need for creative architectural design, appropriate staffing models, and additional resources to support land and animal care alongside clinical services. Conclusions: Interest holders viewed GCFs as a promising and innovative approach to residential dementia care in Canada, but identified substantial system-level, regulatory, and funding barriers to implementation. Addressing these challenges will require policy reform, flexible funding mechanisms, and further research examining feasibility, safety, and outcomes within the Canadian LTC context.