BAA seeking facility for day-care programmes

THE Barbados Alzheimer’s Association (BAA) is looking for a place where they can host their various day-care programmes that cater to both persons living with this condition as well as their family members and other caregivers.

 

This is coming from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Develop-ment, Steven Blackett, who delivered remarks at the church service to mark World Alzheimer’s Month at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church yesterday.

 

He stated that dealing with this condition is difficult and thus these programmes that the association offers are important as they teach, among other things, coping mechanisms so that both groups are in 

a better position to handle this condition.

 

Blackett stated that persons from Canada and other countries have agreed to come on board once the facility is ready.

 

“The Association is desperately in search of a place to start their day-care programmes. These programmes are necessary not only to meet the needs of those persons suffering from dementia, but also the needs of caregivers. Alzheimer’s, (which) is one of the dementias, is a challenge, but by having persons on board who are equipped with the necessary skills, meaningful strides could be made. A number of persons living overseas, especially those from Canada and England, some of whom are nurses, have also offered to come on board as soon as a centre is ready.”

 

Furthermore, there are additional issues that persons have to deal with aside from the actual symptoms as persons living with this condition are often subjected to abuse and as a result, caregivers need to be further educated on addressing these challenges, said Blackett.

 

“Dementia is a global problem. Its sufferers are particularly vulnerable to all types of abuse and neglect in their homes and in institutions because this ailment renders them unable to comprehend or explain what is happening to them. We must therefore treat issues pertaining to dementia with a measure of seriousness at all levels of society and seek to protect the rights of persons so affected.”

 

The Minister further stated that it is hoped that educational efforts and research would lead to a better quality of life for persons affected with this condition.

 

“Let us hope that with continuing research and dissemination of information to families and staff at the various institutions, the lives of persons with this dreadful disease and their caregivers can be significantly improved.” (PJT)