Animal-assisted support for elderly and very elderly people, as well as those with dementia, who live in care homes and retirement centres.

We look forward to welcoming you and your residents to our lovely farm. The proximity to nature, the traffic-free location and the working farm with its machinery, tasks and animals always spark wonderful conversations about days gone by – about how things used to be done and how farm work has changed over the years. The antique tools in the snack room are a constant source of interesting conversation.

Sharpen your senses, feed and stroke the animals, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy some coffee and cake:
It lifts your spirits and brings you joy.

Contact

Senior citizens at the Kluser Llamas on the Obere Klus, activity-based therapy and a coffee and chat

Dementia is not uncommon, particularly in old age: due to pathological processes, brain cells die off more quickly than usual. The consequences for those affected are forgetfulness and a progressive decline in brain function. Fortunately, there are treatments that can improve the well-being of the elderly and the very elderly.

How exactly does animal-assisted therapy with llamas and alpacas work?

There are now a large number of studies examining the effects of animal-assisted therapy. Brief interactions and contact with llamas and alpacas do not generally restore memory in people with dementia; however, these encounters can help to alleviate depressive moods, restlessness and aggression. An improvement in the responsiveness of elderly people has also frequently been observed. Simply observing and feeding the animals can, in itself, enhance the quality of life for many people. Furthermore, all the senses are stimulated on our farm, often giving rise to many small, vivid moments of happiness and recollection.

Don’t be afraid to get up close to our animals

People living with dementia find it increasingly difficult to communicate with those around them. Their fear of rejection and a lack of understanding is simply too great. Not least for this reason, spending time with the peaceful llamas and alpacas helps: ‘When interacting with the animals, they can approach them openly and freely because they aren’t afraid of making mistakes or using the wrong words, and the animals accept them just as they are.’

Basal stimulation

TO HEAR

Sounds and noises from nature and agricultural work.

TO SEE

Our farm is set in hilly countryside, surrounded by nature; there are meadows, woods, fruit trees, plants and flowers, and you can see the whole farm and its animals.

TO FEEL

You can stroke the llamas and alpacas. Hay and a bag of hay are provided.

TO SMELL

It smells of hay, llama wool and the farm, sausages, coffee and cake.

TO TASTE

Then it’s time to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake; punch is also on offer.
Depending on the participants, we take a stroll around the courtyard and have a look around. Our specialist in activity and cognitive training for people with dementia accompanies and looks after the guests with joy and enthusiasm.

What we offer

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Basic Package Module

Basal stimulation with a stimulation therapist, feeding the llamas, free time

1 visit | approx. 1–1.5 hours | Flat rate of CHF 250 per institution
(including accompanying adults)

From 16 to 20 people: CHF 300.-
From 21 to 25 people: CHF 350.-
Larger groups on request

Coffee, cake, mineral water and punch, all-you-can-drink, plus CHF 10 per person

(Coffee and cake are included in the package and you are not permitted to bring your own. Exceptions may be made for special dietary requirements and allergies, subject to prior arrangement.)

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Excursion module: Basic package plus your choice of excursion

Would you like to take your clients on an outing? Enjoy the countryside, the farm and the facilities at Obere Klus. Bring your catering team and your own food, and your outing is sure to be a success.

Details and price available on request

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Fire Pit Module: The basic package plus your choice of a fire bowl for cosy get-togethers

How about sitting round a fire again and grilling a sausage?
The smell of the fire and the sausages, the convivial get-together. Being outdoors once again.

Details and price available on request.

A course leader or specialist is present for all modules.

Why we don’t take our animals to the care home

We want to give the residents of the care home special moments – but in a way that is fair to both the animals and the people. Our aim is to safeguard the animals’ welfare whilst at the same time providing the care home’s residents with authentic experiences.

Our animals are at home on our farm. They feel safe and relaxed in their familiar surroundings. Being transported to a care home would cause the animals stress and anxiety, which is something we do not wish to put them through. Instead, we warmly invite the residents of the care home to come and visit us on our lovely farm.

Here, you can experience the farm with all your senses: see, hear and stroke the animals, feel nature and breathe in the fresh country air. A visit to the farm is a holistic experience that leaves a lasting impression, brings joy and creates memories.