Working with farming families to build resilience when living with dementia

Although there is no cure for dementia, the experience can be shaped by the individual’s’ coping style, life history, health, neurological impairments and social environment. Perceived self-stigma can be a barrier to gaining support and a great deal of the existing support for life with dementia had been developed and provided in urban environments. Farming families affected by dementia experience a unique set of challenges which are related to the interdependence of work, home and intergenerational businesses (Roberts et al). The latest report on dementia prevention, intervention and care (Livingston et al, 2024) identified 14 potential risk factors that have the potential to modify 45% of the cases of dementia. The successful candidate would work with established agricultural organisations and experts by experience to develop and test bespoke awareness sessions focussing on risk reduction and supporting the resilience of people affected by dementia within farming communities.

A project in this area will incur some additional costs that will be met by the student, for fieldwork and consultation with experts by experience. The exact costs will depend on the specific project and will be discussed both at interview and kept under review throughout the duration of the project.

Supervisory Team

• Director of Studies: Dr Catrin Hedd Jones
• Supervisors: Professor Nick Evans
• External Advisor: Dr Jen Roberts, Dementia Services Development Centre, Bangor University.
• Research Group: Association for Dementia Studies

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to: https://www.worc.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/applying-for-a-phd/.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

For further information or an informal discussion about this project, please contact Dr Catrin Hedd Jones: catrin.jones@worc.ac.uk