2024-08-23 22:05:28
- It is the only one in our country created for the care of people with dementia
- Relatives of patients with such a diagnosis drop them off in the morning and take them home in the afternoon
The “Grizhovnik” social garden, which the municipality of Burgas created a few months ago, was expanded with another room. It is for people with dementia and is unique in the country. The new service is for the municipal social patronage.
“I only remember happiness, the rest is irrelevant”
– people with dementia, who are our new users in Grizhovnik, greeted me with such inscriptions.
Due to the great interest, we secured another room, where the team of “Domeshen social patronage” takes care of our fellow citizens who have a memory problem”, commented the mayor Dimitar Nikolov.
He recalled that “Grizhovnik” is based on the principle of a kindergarten, only for adults. Relatives of people with dementia drop them off in the morning and take them home in the afternoon.
“The interest in the only social service in Bulgaria is great, that’s why we are already looking for a third premises”, added Nikolov and thanked the team of “Domeshen Social Patronage” for the diligence and love with which they take care of the users of the service.
The social garden opened in February this year and receives people with dementia every day from 8 am to 4 pm, who are cared for by specialists.
In addition to being under surveillance, they participate in the so-called social cafes run by a psychologist who specializes in working with people with dementia.
The goal is to slow down dementia processes and prevent the condition from worsening, the social patronage explains. Also available are group rehabilitation for adults to keep them immobilized, as well as occupational therapy.
In addition to lunch, a space for rest and an afternoon nap is provided for everyone. And during the summer months, walks and visits to cultural events are constantly organized.
Another step taken by the municipality is to
organizes a mutual aid and support group for relatives and friends of people with dementia
The group meets every month and is led by the specialists who work in the only social garden for adults.
The purpose of these meetings is to help relatives in caring for their sick relatives by giving them valuable advice on the service and information on the course of the disease, Grizhovnik commented.
Social garden specialists are convinced that providing an environment to share difficulties and problems is of great benefit to the relatives of people suffering from this insidious disease. During the monthly meetings, various topics tailored to the needs of the group are discussed, ideas for joint activities are shared.
Among the expected effects of such an activity is to remove at least partially the tension and anxiety associated with serving people with dementia, experts comment.