Getting Outside: Progressive Approaches to Dementia Care w/ Rebekah Churchyard

05/20/24 • 52 min

On Episode 37, host Rachael Fowler explores the remarkable impact of therapeutic gardening for individuals with dementia alongside guest Rebekah Churchyard, MSW, RSW, PMP. Join us as we delve into Green Care Farms Inc.'s mission to foster purpose, belonging, and vitality through sustainable, organic practices. Our guest, Rebekah Churchyard, shares her journey spearheading this initiative, which is driven by her extensive experience in social work and geriatric services. Rebekah's commitment to bringing Green Care Farms to every community in Canada reflects her passion for enhancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia.
After spending more than 10 years in healthcare, policy, and social work, Rebekah's personal journey led her to realize the need for more creative solutions for older adults navigating cognitive decline outside of the public sector. This realization gave birth to Green Care Farms Inc. in Milton, Ontario, a social enterprise supporting community connection for people with dementia and their caregivers, providing a day program for people with dementia on a farm.
Rebekah Churchyard holds a Master of Social Work in Gerontology and works in Specialized Geriatric Services. As a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Psychotherapist, Rebekah combines her expertise to advocate for the well-being of older adults everywhere! Rebekah's history of leadership, including her role as Vice President of the Toronto Council on Aging Board of Directors and her role as an Accountability Table member with the City of Toronto's Seniors Strategy, reflects her dedication to improving care for older adults and community services.
Join us in our exploration of resilience and innovation in healthcare and wellness. Discover how the therapeutic gardening program at Green Care Farms Inc. is not just reshaping, but blooming the landscape of dementia care in Canada, providing a vibrant and nurturing environment for individuals with dementia.
On this episode we discuss:

Progressive models and approaches for dementia care
Rebekah's journey in creating Green Care Farms Inc.
Respite, programming and opportunities for caregivers and people with dementia
Innovative healthcare practices
Social Work & Gerontology
Bridging nature, gardening, horticulture & outdoor spaces into Social Work practices
Community based initiatives and the importance of volunteering
Tips for new social workers

Check out Green Care Farms in Milton, Ontario website HERE and follow on Instagram for updates on events and how to get involved.
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Progressive models and approaches for dementia care
Rebekah's journey in creating Green Care Farms Inc.
Respite, programming and opportunities for caregivers and people with dementia
Innovative healthcare practices
Social Work & Gerontology
Bridging nature, gardening, horticulture & outdoor spaces into Social Work practices
Community based initiatives and the importance of volunteering
Tips for new social workers

Previous Episode

Virtual Reality for Anxiety & Phobias w/ Dr. Elizabeth McMahon

On Episode 36 Matt is joined by Clinical Psychologist- Dr. Elizabeth McMahon Ph.D. who has been practicing for over 40 years and is a pioneer in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for treating Anxiety, Fears and Phobias.
Elizabeth worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for 32 years and has since worked in private practice in San Francisco while also writing two treatment workbooks:
For Clients: Overcoming Anxiety and Panic- Interactive Guide
For Therapists: Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety- A Guide for Therapists
Elizabeth helps both clients and therapists utilize VR as a tool to overcome anxiety, fear and phobias. She has a BLOG on Psychology Today and is an advisor, consultant, trainer and author. She is currently offering a 6 hour training on PESI.com titled- Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment: A How To Guide to Using VR for More Practical, Rapid and Effective Exposure Therapy
On this episode we discuss:

The evolution and future of VR for treating anxiety and phobias
Preparation and setup when using VR for anxiety
Breaking the cycle of anxiety
Tech and VR apps
Case examples and treating anxiety and phobias with VR
Fear of flying, public speaking and common fears and phobias
Tips for new therapists

To find out more about Elizabeth or to connect with her visit her WEBSITE
If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

Next Episode

Social Workers in Sport w/ Jerry Reynolds

On Episode 38, Matt is joined by guest Jerry Reynolds PhD, LSW, MSW who is an assistant professor in the Social Work department at Ball State University and is the current president of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS). Jerry has a doctorate in social work with 20 years of experience in the field and his experience as an athlete, coach, researcher, professor and social worker has led to a wealth of knowledge on social workers working in sports.
On this episode we discuss:

The creation and evolution of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS)
Jerry's journey as athlete, coach, social worker, professor, researcher and president of ASWIS
ASWIS partnerships with Sport Social Work Certificate Program + Sport Social Work Journal
Viewing athletes as a vulnerable population
The Athlete identity
How social workers are equipped to work with athletes in a unique way
Sport social work across the globe
Spectator behaviours and negative parenting behaviors
Social workers in sport scope of practice + the importance of collaboration
Getting involved and the importance of a community in social work

To learn more about the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) and how you can become a member visit their WEBSITE and follow them on INSTAGRAM
To find out more about ASWIS's upcoming 10th Annual Social Workers in Sports Symposium click HERE
Check out ASWIS's- Social Workers in Sport Field Manual HERE
To connect with Jerry Reynolds you can contact him at [email protected]
If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM