Green Care From the Provider’s Perspective: An Insecure Position Facing Different Social Worlds

Abstract

Green Care is an international concept, where utilization of agricultural farms is a base for promoting human mental and physical health, as well as quality of life for a variety of client groups. The purpose of this study was to improve knowledge and understanding of opportunities and difficulties faced by providers of Green Care services, and to discuss the role of being a Green Care service provider. Data were collected by three qualitative multi-stage focus group interviews with seven providers of Green Care services (five women, two men). The findings indicated that running Green Care services means different kinds of challenges such as low predictability and complicated cooperation with authorities and stakeholders. Efforts toward increased quality assurance are regarded positive. Being a Green Care service provider means that the farmer’s function is extended, that is, by shaping a therapeutic environment and being a role model, which takes a genuine interest and belief in the idea of Green Care, and ability to think creatively and innovatively. To watch the users grow as persons and master new tasks is rewarding to the service provider. Providers of Green Care Services have to face different and sometimes incompatible social worlds. Their role is sometimes indistinct and they find themselves in a border position. Perhaps some of the potential in Green Care will get lost with a more professionalized provider role.