Malta News: All new nursing homes must be dementia-friendly

All new homes for the elderly must be dementia friendly – in a bid toincrease awareness of dementia. This measure was announced byParliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galeayesterday.   Dr Galea said that these homes could modelthemselves on the new block at St Vincent de Paule. This life alteringcondition affected not only the individual, but also the familymembers, which was why more facts about it had to be disseminated.   Sinceit was estimated that the 4,500 Maltese affected by dementia woulddouble in the next 25 years, if rates kept increasing at this alarmingrate, the government had set up a committee, with the specific aim ofevaluating the situation.   They would also be presenting anumber of recommendations for action to be taken in the area. DrCharles Scerri, Society secretary and chairman of the National DementiaCommittee said if people knew what it meant, they could offerappropriate understanding and help.   Dr Galea was speaking during Memory Walk, an activity organised by the Malta Dementia Society in Valletta yesterday morning.  Theactivity was linked to World Alzheimer Day, which is celebrated on 21September. Alzheimers is the most common reason for a person havingdementia. More information is available on http://www.dementia.gov.mt.

Source:  The Malta Indpendent On Line, http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=94778