Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in the Farming Community. A Preliminary Qualitative Study of Carers' Perceptions of Risks and Barriers to Care.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risks and barriers to care of informal carers of farmers living on-farm with dementia and cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Seven individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between June and July 2025. Purposive sampling included carers to discuss their perceptions of caring for people with dementia living on farms.

DESIGN

Qualitative study, grounded theory with iterative thematic analysis.

SETTING

Rural Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Informal carers.

MAIN OUTCOMES: Risks and barriers to care.

RESULTS

Six themes were noted in the interviews: (1) Geographic isolation; (2) Physical hazards and farm responsibilities; (3) Interpersonal relationship conflict; (4) Inadequate government support; (5) Lack of local healthcare resourcing; and (6) Positive aspects of the farm environment. Participants discussed strategies for care, such as enlisting additional familial support. Some of these themes were unique to the farm context.

CONCLUSION

Carers of farmers with dementia highlighted a combination of risks and barriers to care that often interact synergistically with each other, leading to unmet needs for care. Carers highlighted a need for tailored solutions to care in the unique farm context. Integrating the farm environment with accessible assistance off farm appeared to be a strong desire among carers.