"Short-term cover-ups offer limited benefits"
In the picturesque town of Tuttlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Michaela Katz, the head of the "MeVita Residenz am Stadtgarten," has taken on a new role as a dementia ambassador. Katz, who completed her vocational diploma in social and health care and trained as a nurse, is now dedicated to promoting open dialogue about dementia, providing information, and serving as a point of contact for those affected and their families.
Katz's journey into dementia care started when she became the head of the "MeVita Residenz am Stadtgarten," a facility that houses 50 assisted living apartments, a care community, care apartments, and a daycare center open to externals. Despite dementia not being a topic during her training, Katz has since been proactive in educating herself through offers from the Alzheimer's Society of Baden-Württemberg.
Katz emphasizes the importance of accepting the sick person's current feelings and avoiding arguing or asking 'why' questions with someone with dementia. She advocates for integrating people with dementia naturally, focusing on their positive qualities and finding joy in small details. Hiding and denying the disease is not a sustainable solution, according to Katz.
Living with a person with dementia 24/7 can be challenging due to disrupted day-night rhythms and potential aggressive reactions. Katz advises seeking help as early as possible, including daycare for the person with dementia, household and shopping assistance, and ensuring entitlement to all necessary services.
In an effort to raise awareness about dementia, Katz and her team are organizing events as part of the Tuttlingen NightKultour and the Week of Dementia. On Saturday, September 20th, there will be performances at the Senior Center, Honbergstraße 10 in Tuttlingen, focusing on the theme of forgetfulness. On Friday, September 19, there will be a joint presentation by the working group on dementia on the Tuttlingen market square from 8 am to 12 pm.
Caregivers of people with dementia in Germany have access to a range of strategies and resources emphasizing open dialogue, understanding, and support to improve quality of care and well-being for both the caregivers and those affected. These resources include academic and research institutions, in-home care providers, national and European organizations, and grants for respite care improvements.
The holistic approach in Germany combines open dialogue, person-centered understanding, and multifaceted support resources to improve outcomes for both people with dementia and their families. This approach, which is grounded in research-based guidance, in-home care services, advocacy groups, and respite care programs, aims to foster a sense of connection, familiarity, and fulfillment, improving well-being and satisfaction for dementia patients.
References:
[1] Heidelberg University, "Heidelberg Researchers Highlight the Importance of Caregivers’ Attitudes in Dementia Care." (2020).
[2] LerriHost, "Tailored In-Home Services for Seniors in Germany." (2021).
[3] Alzheimer Europe, "The Importance of Person-Centered Care in Dementia." (2019).
[4] Alzheimer's Association, "German Centre Receives Funding for Enhancing Respite Care Options." (2021).
[5] Alzheimer Europe, "National Associations and the Fight Against Dementia." (2020).
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