20 minute oral presentation.
Abstract:


People living with dementia in rural areas are faced with numerous difficulties in accessing support (Hodgson et al., 2024; Roberts et al, 2023). These may be exacerbated further within farming communities, as they require support beyond a 9 to 5 schedule.

In response to the limited understanding of the lived experience of dementia in farming communities, as well as how best to support them, we conducted a scoping review of peer reviewed studies and grey literature to identify what is already known about the experiences of people living in farming communities affected by dementia.

Eighteen articles (6 peer-reviewed; 12 grey literature) were eligible for inclusion in the review. Preliminary findings from a thematic analysis indicated six overarching themes and seventeen subthemes within. The overarching themes included caregiver challenges; farming culture; impact on family dynamics and succession; farming operations; isolation and lack of support; and community support.

This is the first step in our research aiming to understand the experiences of people affected by dementia in farming communities, and how they may be best supported. As part of this work, we are also eager to hear the voices and experiences of people currently living with or caring for someone living with dementia in farming communities in Wales, and those who support them both professionally and informally.