The effects of dementia on farm life

Grouped with ageing on farm, dementia adds another element of risk not just for the person diagnosed, but for other workers and family members on farm. There are obvious concerns for farmers due to an occupation filled with hazards in general, but there is also a concern for wellbeing by removing a person from the farm and the community.

Recognising limits can play an important role in how individuals can move forward and stay involved. Risks can range from livestock, machinery and equipment, even the location/landscapes of the farm. Adjusting roles on farm can be a gradual process, making the move to more repetitive tasks in a controlled environment and modifying how tasks are completed where possible.

Perhaps you have heard of dementia before, but for those who haven’t; dementia is a term used to describe a collective of symptoms that affect the brain. It is more than just normal memory loss and is not one specific disease, often it also includes confusion and mood changes. There are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia. It is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of women in Australia.

Some symptoms of dementia are treatable when caught in their early stages. An early medical diagnosis of dementia can make a difference, improving quality of life, if the person seeks treatment and support as there is no cure.

What are the early signs of Dementia?

The effects of dementia on farm life

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll to top