POLEPOLE May, 2011
1. NEWS AND INFORMATION
*Dementia checks at 75 urged by Alzheimer’s Society (BBC March 28, 2011)
*Euthanasia: the debate is happening! (Australian Ageing agenda, March 21, 2011 and
Health Report #45 Dementia)
2. AAJ HEADQUARTERS UPDATE
*AAJ made two proposals to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on April 13. One is on life security of PWDs and their caregivers and another is urgent proposal on The East Japan Earthquake.”
The proposal on life security is a request for revision of the Long Term Care insurance including support for the people with younger dementia and the family caregivers improvement of the medical system for PWDs and community development for the secure life of PWDs. The Urgent Proposal urges careful support for the earthquake victims both at shelters and homes including temporary houses with eye-catching color and fonts to be easily identified by PWDs, setting up of meeting places where residents comprehending the elderly, children, people with disabilities and PWDs, can enjoy mixing with each other in temporary housing areas.
* The report of ADI Conference in Toronto
AAJ sent a delegation made up of Ryu Yoshino, the formal representative, and three other members, to the 26th ADI Conference in Toronto, Canada. They participated in the whole program and exchanged information and opinions.
Throughout the entire period they received heart-warming sympathy and encouragement for the Great East Japan Earthquake from people all over the world. Ryu Yoshino expressed our gratitude to all participants at the closing session.
3.PROFESSIONAL’S COMMENT
“Dementia Anthropology”
By Dr. I. Hayakawa
4. LETTERS FROM MEMBERS
*I am a home care worker working in a disaster area. Immediately after the Earthquake, I confirmed the safety of my clients by calling and visiting. I had to work all alone for several days because of the breakdown in communication and transportation services. We have recovered gradually and are planning a project which supports home care services in the area worse-hit than here (Home care worker in disaster-stricken area)
* Thank you for the heart-warming encouragement from AAJ. We had boasted a fishing industry for a long time. The Earthquake destroyed or damaged our houses, ships and everything. But now we are recovering little by little.
Now I can see the calm blue sea through the window as before.
5. COMMENTARY ON THE REVISION OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE
2012
By Prof. S. Itou, Kagoshima University Graduate School
6. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAPTERS FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
7. CARE ADVICE –FOUR EYES SEE MORE THAN TWO-
Question: “Some of mother’s friends said that she has dementia and father banned her
from going out . She is feeling down and out these days. What can I do for her?”
8. GLOBAL FAMILY
“ Silent Candlelight Memorial and Benefit Concert in Kentucky for the Earthquake”
9. CARE EXPERIENCE
By Akitoshi Matsubara, a member of AAJ Aichi Chapter
10. MESSAGE FROM PWDS
“Thanks a lot to all people surrounding us!”
By Mr. & Mrs. M
I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 49 and am still working with the support
of people surrounding us. We know there are some people who are backbiting and have
anxiety about the disease and household finances in the future. However, we are happy and
thankful for everything we are getting now.
7. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In Fukushima, the evacuation zone has been expanded and the number of evacuees is increasing every day. I am so sorry for their regret and resentment. We at AAJ are thinking of the sufferers of the disaster and carrying out continuous support activities.
Take heart and take care till next month
