Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen

For some care farms it is the noticeable absence of a ‘care’ or ‘institutional’
element and the presence of a working, commercial farm with the farmer,
farmer’s family and staff that are the constituents of successful social
rehabilitation for participants (Hassink et al, 2007). Yet the situation at
other care farms may be more ‘care’ and ‘carer’ oriented with the farming
element present primarily to produce benefits for clients rather than for
commercial agricultural production.
4.2 Animals in green care
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) is the general term used for a variety
of ways of utilising animals in the rehabilitation or social care of humans
(Kruger and Serpell, 2006). This could involve pure therapy or including
the animals in various activities. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is the
term used for a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that satisfies
certain criteria is an integral part of the treatment process for a particular
human client, a process which is directed, documented and evaluated by
professionals. Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) is used for a less controlled
service that may have a therapeutic effect, but which is not a true therapy in
a strict sense. Both health personnel and lay persons can be involved.
The therapeutic role of companion animals is well established for
physically ill people, those with psychiatric disorders, emotionally
disturbed people, prisoners, drug addicts, the elderly and children. The
evidence has recently been reviewed by Fine (2006). Contact with
companion animals is associated with positive changes in cardiovascular
functioning and concentration of various neurotransmitters, reduction in
psychosomatic disorders and afflictions and fewer visits per year to the
doctor amongst the elderly. Friedmann et al (1980) revealed a relationship
between owning a dog or cat and increased probability of survival one year
after myocardial infarctions or severe angina pectoris. While 28% of nonowners
died within one year, only 5.7% of pet owners died. Later research
has confirmed this (Friedmann and Thomas, 1995).
It is hypothesized that social support (defined by Cobb (1976) as an
interpersonal relationship that leads to “the person’s belief that he is cared
for, loved, esteemed, and a member of a network of mutual obligations”
p. 300) acting as a buffer against stress responses or illness can be
derived not only from human relationships, but also from a human-animal
38 Green Care: A Conceptual Framework