Staff traveled to northern Maine to present farm culture information, disability awareness within the agriculture industry, assistive technology, and skills for providing care to caregivers at this year’s National Rural Social Work Conference. The conference was held at the University of Maine, Presque Isle. Caregiver health and well-being were popular topics. Many of the attendees work in rural areas, with farm families, and have an agricultural background. Discussion throughout the presentation centered on mental health and healthy management of farm stressors throughout all life stages of farm families. Issues of depression, suicide, and ways to deliver health tips to caregivers and farmers were also discussed.
Submitted by:Mary Slabinski