Illinois Extension Provides Resources and Education for Caregivers of Farmers with Dementia

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Extension has worked alongside researchers in Iowa and Illinois to develop a program designed for caregivers of farmers showing signs of dementia.

Older agricultural workers have a higher risk of developing dementia — which increases the chances of becoming injured, especially for those living or working on farms. Because of that, researchers at the University of Iowa, University of Illinois Chicago, community members and Extension experts created Farm Families Coping with Dementia (FFCD).

The program works to teach caregivers and family members of someone showing signs of dementia how to reduce injuries, and support the mental health of the caregivers. It has four one-hour sessions.

The researchers are looking for adults who have a family member living with dementia and working in the farming community to join the FFCD program. You can learn more about the program here.

An upcoming workshop will run from Oct. 13 to Nov. 3. After the program, participants will be asked to take part in an interview where they discuss how the training has impacted their lives. Organizers said the overall goal is to give Extension educators and farm families the skills to navigate actions and discussions surrounding farm safety for people living with dementia.