Farm‑Based Senior Care Initiatives Launch in Austria and Germany

In the Austrian wine region of Maria Roggendorf, Christa Schwinner has turned an old farm into a senior co‑housing community called the “Sonnenplatzerl”. The facility opened in December 2023 with two residents and now offers nine barrier‑free rooms with private bathrooms, a garden, a goat stall and weekly visits from therapists. Residents receive meals, housekeeping and daytime nursing support, while a separate day‑care centre can host up to 14 additional seniors. A waiting list indicates strong local demand for this rural‑style ageing solution.

In Bavaria, Germany, a university‑supported project on “Auszeithöfe” invites elderly people, including those with dementia, to spend time on working farms. At sites such as the Krümelhof near Augsburg, participants interact with livestock—most notably petting Kunekune pigs—reporting improved wellbeing. The initiative is coordinated by the University of Applied Sciences Kempten and aims to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of farm environments for dementia patients.