Facing the future on the farm with advanced care planning

Farmers in Aotearoa have to be prepared for anything – from the ever-changing weather to issues with stock, crops and machinery.

The Health Quality & Safety Commission says with advance care planning they can also prepare themselves and their loved ones for any significant changes in their health.

Rolleston farmer Thomas Mitchell is the face of April for the Commission’s Kia whakarite: Be prepared advance care planning campaign and will be appearing in calendar posters around the nation.

Thomas runs cattle, grazes horses and owns a business supplying steel cattle and sheep yards. He also has a young family (partner Jerrica and twoyear-old son Carter) and is now turning his mind to how he might support them if something happened to him.

‘‘I probably used to take some unnecessary risks when I was younger, but as I have got older and had a family, I realise they are in a whole lot of trouble if I get injured and am unable to work. I am a lot more careful now and have plans in place should I have a serious injury or illness,’’ he said.

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care, including end-of-life care. It helps you, the important people in your life and your health care team understand what you want – especially if you can no longer speak for yourself.

An advance care plan includes what is meaningful to you, your values and the ways you would like those caring for you to look after your spiritual and emotional needs.

It can also cover whether you want to donate your organs, what sort of funeral you would like and where your important papers are.

Free resources are available to help you with these conversations. Go to the ‘consumer resources’ section ofmyacp.org.nz.

Farming is in Thomas’s blood. He grew up on a farm near Timaru, went to university in Christchurch and now has his own family farm near Rolleston.

‘‘I grew up on a farm and always loved being outside with Dad. I have always had a love of animals and enjoy working for myself rather than being in an office.

‘‘Every day is different. There is a huge variety

‘‘I probably used to take some unnecessary risks when I was younger, but as I have got older and had a family, I realise they are in a whole lot of trouble if I get injured and am unable to work. I am a lot more careful now and have plans in place should I have a serious injury or illness.’’ Rolleston farmer Thomas Mitchel.

of tasks to do on a farm, which can make it overwhelming at times, but also provides great variation to my weeks,’ he said.

Of course, farming has its challenges too, particularly in terms of demands on farmers’ time. ‘‘There is no such thing as annual leave.

‘‘When you have animals, they still need to be cared for, no matter what day of the year it is. The weather also provides many challenges.

‘‘It can be frustrating when you do everything right, but the weather just doesn’t play ball and there is nothing you can do about it.

‘‘We have a lot of money tied up in our stock and it can be heart-breaking when the grass just won’t grow,’’ he said.

Thomas’s advice for those thinking of taking up farming is to give it a go.

‘‘It’s great work and a great lifestyle, but it’s certainly not for everyone.

‘‘You need to be self-motivated, fit and work well by yourself.’’