All new homes for the elderly must be dementia friendly – in a bid to increase awareness of dementia. This measure was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galea yesterday.
Dr Galea said that these homes could model themselves on the new block at St Vincent de Paule. This life altering condition affected not only the individual, but also the family members, which was why more facts about it had to be disseminated.
Since it was estimated that the 4,500 Maltese affected by dementia would double in the next 25 years, if rates kept increasing at this alarming rate, the government had set up a committee, with the specific aim of evaluating the situation.
They would also be presenting a number of recommendations for action to be taken in the area. Dr Charles Scerri, Society secretary and chairman of the National Dementia Committee said if people knew what it meant, they could offer appropriate understanding and help.
Dr Galea was speaking during Memory Walk, an activity organised by the Malta Dementia Society in Valletta yesterday morning.
The activity was linked to World Alzheimer Day, which is celebrated on 21 September. Alzheimers is the most common reason for a person having dementia. More information is available on www.dementia.gov.mt.