Over 17,000 people affected by dementia in Wales live in rural areas, according to a report released which presses the government for more help on the issue.
It said that rural areas are less likely to commission services specifically for people with dementia.
People affected by dementia visited Gorwel Farm, in Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales, on Monday (10 July) to take part in a range of activities including milking time and a rural reminiscence session.
The event, held in partnership between Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and the Countryside Alliance Foundation, is part of the charities’ campaign to engage people with dementia in rural areas.
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s report, Dementia in Rural Wales published last, year estimated that over 17,000 people affected by dementia in Wales live in rural areas.
'Relive past experiences'
Marcia Vale, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator for West Wales said: “This has given people with dementia who have a farming background a great opportunity to spend time on the farm, relive past experiences and enjoy the activities that take place there.
“Rurality brings about an additional set of challenges for people affected by dementia. Rural areas are less likely to commission services specifically for people with dementia, access can prove difficult as transport links are often poorer and there are barriers such as a lack of Welsh language services.
“These factors can all make it more likely that people in rural areas will experience feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“This combined with Wales’ ageing population – the biggest risk factor for developing dementia - presents a growing challenge.”
'Re-connect'
The UK's first ever research to address dementia in farming and rural communities, released in January, has identified areas of significant concern.
The four areas of concern identified by the study were: the farm environment; a reluctance to ask for help; support services, and; changing rural communities.
Jamie McCoy of Gorwel Farm said: “Most families are touched by dementia, and ours is no different.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to able to contribute in a small way by hosting this group of 'former farmers', and I hope their time spent on farm has provided some enjoyment, reminiscence and time to re-connect with livestock.”
New strategy
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru have pressed for the Welsh Government’s new dementia strategy, Together for a Dementia-Friendly Wales (expected this autumn) to address ways to better support the specific needs of people living with dementia in rural Wales.
Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru added: “Research is desperately needed to best understand what the issues surrounding rurality are and the extent of the problem to enable us to plan and deliver effective information, support and services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of on people affected by dementia in rural Wales.”
