Beetle Bank Social Farm Case study: John and Sylvia

Background

John and Sylvia, husband and wife, lived together at home in north York. John had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Sylvia was supporting him. Over the past five months it had become increasingly difficult for Sylvia to cope as John had high anxiety levels. Sylvia enquired about Beetle Bank Social Farm as she needed a break.

Attending Beetle Bank Social Farm

Due to John’s high anxiety he was not prepared to join the group without Sylvia, so they joined the group together with four other service users. Gradually John became more familiar with the other service users and the farm environment. After six weeks John started to attend the farm without his wife, giving Sylvia access to some regular respite.

John really enjoyed the camaraderie with other service users and the outside environment. He said: “You meet people you wouldn’t normally meet and it allows you to be yourself…its been a lovely day. It’s wonderful being with men” (John). Sylvia explained: “It has helped me knowing that John is happy and enjoying life and given me time out from caring which enables me to be a little less stressed and able to cope” (Sylvia).