POLEPOLE October, 2008
1. NEWS & INFORMATION
According to AFP, the French news agency, the German Government started a new system that advises the unemployed working for institutions for the PWD providing a hundred hours of lectures and sixty hours of practice.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Germany stated that the training period is too short. And also some professionals are opposed and say that though dementia care requires a high level of skill the system is just too poorly funded. Some of the policy makers agree that the system is a good career opportunity for the unemployed.
(AFP July, 2008 “Unemployed Germans to help dementia sufferers”)
2. HEADQUATERS UPDATE
AAJ HEADQUATERS held two events inviting various guest speakers who are active in the field of dementia care. Six hundred participants shared information, knowledge, wisdom and sympathy.
All chapters of AAJ held events for World Alzheimers’ Day at 88 places all over Japan and 1900 people joined including PWDs, children, representatives and governors.
The organizers of those events confirmed a rising concern for dementia issues.
3. SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILY CARE GIVERS Prof. M. Tsudome
Over 80 % of PWDs in Japan are living at their homes with family care givers or alone. One of the provisions of the Long Term Care Insurance Law is “The first priority is the dependent elderly themselves.” But it might be an excuse to neglect the efforts of family care givers.
The dependent elderly and their families cannot be separated. Both of them should be supported.
4. LETTERS
My wife is 59 years old and suffering from younger dementia. She refuses to go to a day care center because it is set up just for the elderly. We need a special institution for people with younger dementia. I am exhausted providing care for her 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(67-year-old man)
5. EDITORS REPORT
“Governmental subsidy for younger dementia care facilities”
6.MESSAGE FROM PWDS
7. PRESIDENT’S COMMENT
TAKE HEART AND TAKE CARE TILL NEXT MONTH!
