Bavaria’s first care farm nears completion as seniors move in

Bavaria’s first care farm is close to completion, with seniors already living there and more expected to move in by the end of the year, BR reports. The Moorhof, a farm-based care home in Karlshuld, can accommodate 23 people in two shared living groups.

Inge Zidek, 85, has lived at the farm since May. She regularly feeds the goats and can spend time with chickens, horses, donkeys, sheep and other animals. Residents’ relatives can also visit the animals when they come to see them.

The farm encourages residents, many of whom have dementia, to take part in daily activities. They can help feed the chickens, hang out laundry or assist with cooking. The property also offers activities for children and families, and a nearby ice cream shop in Karlshuld is accessible by rollator.

Each living group shares a large kitchen and a lounge. Residents’ rooms measure 16 to 20 square metres, and in most cases two rooms share a bathroom. Monthly rent ranges from 750 to 900 euros. Food and caretaker services cost an additional 425 euros, while a care fee of 1,900 euros also applies.

Residents must have an official care level to move in; most have care level three. The Family & Care home-care service provides round-the-clock support, with at least one care worker present in each group at all times. A housekeeper handles laundry and cooking until the afternoon.

The project is based on a care farm in Marienrachdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, run by Guido Pusch. He developed the model after taking over his family’s farm when his grandmother needed care but did not want to leave home. The Karlshuld farm is the second care farm of its kind in Germany and the first in Bavaria.

The conversion in Karlshuld is expected to cost more than four million euros, including 1.4 million euros in funding from the Bavarian state. The project was delayed by financing difficulties and lengthy approval procedures. Its outdoor areas are due to be finished by the end of the year.