Seniors with dementia struggle with prevention, caregivers need information and support
21 September is World Alzheimer's Day, the most common cause of dementia. Among other things, it commemorates that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly extend the time when the disease manifests itself only mildly and a person is able to live independently. The Elpida organisation therefore offers a free counselling session to seniors every month. In an individual interview, psychologists answer questions, consult on the condition and test the client's memory. Family members who care for the sick are increasingly turning to the Senior Citizens' Helpline 800 200 007 with the topic of dementia.
According to the latest data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (IHIS), there are about 102,000 people with dementia in the Czech Republic, of whom 62,000 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. There are thus 582 people with the disease per 100 000 inhabitants, which is 0.6% of the population.
Most people with this diagnosis live at home and are cared for by their loved ones, for whom caring for their loved one is a huge burden. "Carers often feel alone in their care, sometimes feeling like they are the only ones in the world dealing with such issues. Contact with someone who is knowledgeable about the issue or has experienced it themselves is relieving and empowering. Often they lack information about the disease and advice on where they can get practical help and financial support," said Klára Gramppová, a psychologist from the Senior Citizens Line.
"In 2020, the Senior Line received more than 15,000 calls, an average of 30 calls per day. Of these, 5,684, or about one-third, were related to the topic of elderly care, of which a significant proportion"The majority of callers are caring for people with dementia," added Gramppová.
Alzheimer's disease starts slowly. At first, the patient's short-term memory deteriorates and he or she is unable to take care of some household items. The rate at which Alzheimer's disease progresses varies for each sufferer. However, the sufferer has increasing difficulty expressing himself, making decisions, not completing his thoughts and becoming more confused. His whole personality changes. In the last stages of the disease, he is no longer able to look after himself.
Visitors to the counselling centre can ask anything they are interested in regarding Alzheimer's dementia. Psychologists Kateřina Bohatá or Klára Gramppová will explain what dementia is, how it arises and how it can be prevented. The client will find out how he/she is doing with memory and other intellectual abilities on the basis of a few short tests within half an hour.Counselling takes place once a month, on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:30 to 14:15. One consultation lasts 35 minutes. Reservations for a free consultation can be made by calling 272 701 335 or by visiting info@elpida.cz The toll-free Senior Helpline number 800 200 007 is available to seniors and caregivers daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Free chat counselling will also be available from 5 October, for more information visit https://www.elpida.cz/linka-senioru.
Anonymised call records
Call 1
A woman is calling, and by the sound of her voice, she is startled. She received a call at noon from the police saying they were taking her father home from the square, according to officers he was disoriented. But she doesn't think so. She lives in a small town, the caller is from Prague. Everyone in town knows him, he takes care of himself. But she decided to call anyway, it's true that her dad hasn't been taking care of himself as much lately. His clothes are a bit dirty when he comes here. He used to be a dapper gentleman. He's a former mayor. He reacted strangely when she phoned him. He was very angry with the police for bringing him home, said he could have walked home himself. But then he mentioned his concern that his wallet was taken during the visit, he can't find it. This is not at all consistent with his behavior, he has always been able to get along with everyone and that a police officer would steal his wallet seems really unlikely to her. Maybe he's just worrying unnecessarily...
Call 2
A male caller is caring for his wife who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It's very challenging. He is currently dealing with his wife not wanting to wash. She simply refuses to go to the bathroom with him. He and his wife had two children and a relatively happy marriage. What makes it worse is that she sometimes snaps at him during the day and says, "What are you doing here? Get out!" He's never seen her so rude, sometimes vulgar, in his life. Sometimes he watches TV and swears. She refuses food. He doesn't know how to go on, especially with the hygiene, it's unpleasant...
You can find more model stories from the Senior Citizens Line here
The Seniors Line 800 200 007 is a free anonymous crisis line and helpline for seniors caring for the elderly and people in crisis. Hours of operation are 8am to 8pm every day, including weekends and holidays. The partner of the helpline is the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the O2 Foundation and the Prague City Hall.
Media contactIvetaČížová ~ iveta.cizova@elpida.cz ~ +420 773 480 505
Elpida means hope in Greek. But it is also the name of an organization that helps seniors become a confident and respected part of society. In the spirit of the Old's Cool motto, Elpida is changing the way people look at old age - it runs the Elpida Educational and Cultural Centre for seniors fromPrague and the Senior Crisis Line, founded the brand Socks from Grandma, publishes the magazine VITAL, and organises the intergenerational Old's Cool festival. In short, she is trying to make Czech seniors lead a full & happy life.