Occupational Therapy Farm

Hello,

Over the past few years I have been trying to figure out how to save my family farm. One avenue I have been considering is an Occupational Therapy Farm.

I have been working towards getting appropriate credentials but find that there are very few resources in my area related to this path.  I have reached out to several universities and colleges, with relevant disciplines, as well as private facilities, and few have lead to meaningful engagement.

The farm is in zone 7 in Ontario. I find the whole process incredibly discouraging. On paper it is not particularly complicated, but there seems to be a lot of barriers.

Maybe take that a signal that it isn't a good idea, but I believe it is and could be a path to saving my family farm. Any resources or advice? Relevant information, animal therapies, horticultural therapies, networks, facility management, legal frameworks, anecdotes, success stories, how to write a grant... are all appreciated.

Jimmy, lets look at a few things;
- why is the farm failing?
- when you are reaching out are you asking for cash?
- I have seen a number of such places in my area, have you found any near you?
I read about the system and there seems to be many different avenues and age groups you might deal with, have you investigated those?

I have heard of several folks who started this kind of business.

My first thought is that there would be a need for a non-profit in place.

How will the folks find your Occupational Therapy Farm?  Do you have connections with people who would recommend this type of therapy?

Have you made a business plan that outlines how you will get this started?

I think the area where you will have the most difficulty is that you need the first part at the core before you can have the second part.

Occupational Therapy - Farm

You need an occupational therapist who can utilize the tool, that is the farm, to achieve goals for patients.

Do you have an existing relationship with an occupational therapist? Do you have the time to get credentialed and then learn how to use the farm for therapy?

Jimmy, I am an occupational therapist an am very interested in this area of work. I work in mental health at the moment in Minnesota, and am looking to create a somatic healing nature based practice. Feel free to reach out to me my email isabelleroth43@gmail.com and I’m happy to connect with other resources. I received my doctorate in OT in August