Zorgboerderij Blij op de Boerderij is a small-scale care farm with a creative focus, situated among bulb fields in a rural setting. Established in 2012 in partnership with Stichting Landzijde, the farm offers diverse activities for its participants, fostering a lively and home-like atmosphere. The goal is to challenge individuals to develop, discover, learn, and maintain their abilities, prioritizing work satisfaction through meaningful tasks like maintaining the picking garden, chopping wood, and creating crafts. The farm also provides a space for relaxation and recharging.
The farm serves diverse age groups and tailors activities to suit them, with a mix of young and old benefiting from mutual support. It offers specialized care for the elderly, including warm meals, cooking activities, sports, games, a rest area, and a Tovertafel to stimulate cognitive function. The farm emphasizes personalized, experience-oriented care that respects and values each participant, involving family and caregivers to create a supportive environment.
Younger participants, aged 14 and up, who may be out of school or unable to function in a traditional school setting, are also welcome. They receive personalized guidance, can choose from various activities, and can pursue (MBO) certificates through “buitengewoon leren (BGL)” courses in areas like animal first aid, animal care, flora and fauna, VCA, moped license, forklift or tractor license, and can also obtain their BHVL certificate annually.
The farm is run by Diana Sprenkeling, a former florist with a degree in Social Work, along with her family and a dedicated team of employees and volunteers. The farm caters to various groups, including the elderly, lonely individuals, young adults, people with dementia, intellectual and physical disabilities, young people from around 14 years old, school leavers, young people who for some reason can no longer attend school or cannot work in the labor market, people with mental health issues, and people with acquired brain injury or brain injury due to an accident. Other conditions also include people with chronic pain or neurological complaints. Some diseases that can be accommodated at the farm include Dementia - Parkinson’s - Autism - ADHD - MS - FNS - CVA/TIA - Burn out - Depression - Addiction - Fibromyalgia - Rheumatism - ALS.
Activities on the farm include animal care, gardening, creative activities, high tea and workshops, baking, educational programs, games, gym and movement, cooking, woodworking, and wood splitting.
The farm offers firewood for sale and operates a u-pick garden with flowers and a tea garden open from July 1st to October 1st where visitors can pick their own flowers for a small fee. Also available, a creative workshop where you can draw, paint, sculpt and make art.
What visitors say
This care farm is highly praised for its personalized and attentive care, creating a warm, home-like environment for participants of all ages. The staff are commended for their creativity, expertise, and commitment to understanding individual needs and interests, tailoring activities accordingly. Visitors enjoy the farm’s engaging atmosphere and the variety of activities available, from gardening in the colorful “pluktuin” to interacting with well-cared-for animals. The beautiful surroundings, peaceful setting, and friendly people contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience. Many reviewers also noted the availability of local products such as hazelnut ice cream.