Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in the Australian Farming Community. A Preliminary Qualitative Investigation of Healthcare Provider's Perceptions of Risks/Barriers to Care

Background

Farmers are at higher risk of developing dementia due to occupational exposures throughout their lives. People living in regional and remote areas also have increased barriers to care compared with urban populations, while farmers face additional barriers.

Aims

To explore the barriers to care and risks faced by farmers with dementia, from the perspectives of healthcare workers. This preliminary study also aims to explore the differences in barriers faced by farmers and non-farming rural populations.

Methods

Seven participants from a range of health professions were interviewed in a semi-structured style to explore their experiences. The data were coded and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach to search for recurring themes.

Results

Six key themes emerged from the data: (1) barriers arising from typical farmer personality traits; (2) geographic isolation; (3) late diagnoses of dementia; (4) barriers to the provision of care on the farm; (5) on-farm risks; and (6) transition to residential aged care home.

Conclusions

Farmers living with dementia on-farm may face significant barriers to care and risks to themselves and others compared to non-farm rural and urban populations. These additional barriers predominantly stem from increased geographic isolation and personality traits common to farming populations. However, there is potential for change to improve care provision through earlier diagnosis, more efficient service funding to enhance treatment availability and the use of residential aged care homes more suited to farmers.