Help with dementia: self-help groups and advice in Dithmarschen!

Help with dementia: self-help groups and advice in Dithmarschen!

In Cologne, the topic of dementia has become the focus again, and not without reason. The Dithmarschen Alzheimer Society has been actively involved in numerous events, most recently the Dithmarschen Day and the “care4me” health fair in Heide. Competent contacts were available here for all questions relating to the complex topic of dementia. Many relatives and those affected use the opportunity for intensive consultations and find that they often have unanswered questions about support offers.

A particular focus is on the Alzheimer Society's self-help groups, which offer valuable support. For example, in Heide, group meetings take place every second Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the psychiatric building of the West Coast Hospital. There is also a monthly meeting in St. Michaelisdonn, which takes place on the third Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Marsch & Geest care center. Here, relatives have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share concerns and discuss solutions to everyday problems - all accompanied by expert club members. Registration is not required, which makes access easier.

Advice and information

An important part of the work of the Alzheimer Society are the information events. The specialist in psychiatry, Uwe Kettelhodt, gave a lecture on dementia in the community center, organized by the “SeniorTrainers”. He presented the different forms and causes of dementia and explained how they can influence the abilities and behavior of those affected. In a final panel discussion, visitors were able to address their questions directly to the board members, who presented various possible solutions.

The help presented includes family groups, day care, neighborhood assistance and the dementia library at the Heide public library. Inpatient admission to nursing facilities was also discussed, a topic that is associated with major changes for many relatives. Further information and activities of the association can be found on the Alzheimer Society Dithmarschen website at www.alzheimergesellschaft-dithmarschen.de.

Donate with heart

Individual relatives want to do good beyond the loss of a loved one. This is where the option of donating comes into play. The German Alzheimer Society offers a donation account into which you can donate for the legitimate cause. Donors should provide a password, such as the name of the deceased, so that the donation can be assigned accordingly. This can be a nice gesture in mourning, for example if you ask for donations in obituaries.

For more detailed information, the Alzheimer's telephone is available to those interested, which can be reached Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: 030 25937 9514. The app "in.kontakt" also offers a protected space for the exchange of information between relatives and can be found free of charge in the usual app stores.

In this complex and emotional issue, it is important to be well informed and find support. The self-help groups are an important step in the right direction and offer relatives the opportunity to not be alone with their worries. Further information about self-help groups can also be obtained from local care centers or self-help contact points.