An estimated 36 million people are living with dementia worldwide. September is “World Alzheimer’s Month”, focusing on methods of care and on the caregivers. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) holds a series of workshops, “The Alzheimer University”, designed to strengthen global associations. They also hold an annual conference of clinicians, scientists, patients, caregivers and associations’ staff to exchange information and care solutions. The next conference will be held May 1-4, 2014 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Here are five worldwide solutions to enhance dementia patients’ lives:
- ElderServe, Hebrew Home at Riverdale, NY: The only overnight respite care program for dementia patients with sundowner’s syndrome. A variety of interactive activities, medical services and meals are provided, essentially turning sleepless nights into productive “days”, and giving family caregivers much needed relief.
- Bird Tales, Connecticut: Developed by a dementia care specialist and Audubon Society educator, this multi-sensory program has indoor and outdoor components to strengthen patients’ connections to their environment, while enhancing bird habitats.
- Hogewey, Weesp, The Netherlands: An innovative care “village” for advanced stage dementia patients. The restaurant, grocery store, hair salon, theater, village square, etc. provide a sense of normalcy for patients,while being staffed by professionals caregivers.
- “Memory Lane”, Winterbourne, United Kingdom: A 1950’s street on the grounds of an in patient facility. Complete with period correct shops and pubs used for reminiscence therapy and improving psychological well-being in patients at various stages of the disease.
- Dementia in the Home, Denmark: A 3 year project developing technological solutions allowing dementia sufferers to remain safely in their homes. Danish citizens, aged 75 and above are eligible for long-term nursing care services free of charge in their home, but may contribute on a sliding scale to such short-term services.
Do you work with Alzheimer’s patients? Post a comment on our Facebook page about other innovative techniques and dementia care programs. Interested in healthcare job opportunities? Call our team of industry experts at 800 535 0076 today!