Calcutta Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (CMIG), in collaboration with other organisations organized a special Indo-UK programme named ‘Dementia Care-A unique Approach’ in Kolkata. Others included Regional Resource and Training Centre on Ageing under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India, and University of Stirling, Scotland.
This initiative observed both World Alzheimers Day (21ST September) and World Elders Day (1st October). The aim of this Indo-UK programme was to converge the expertise of both countries to address the overlapping difficulties faced by dementia patients and their caregivers in both countries.
In the programme, Dr Mc Cabe introduced some common practices in the UK like use of special hearing aids, glasses and false teeth for the person with dementia; frequent general medical check ups to ensure the person with dementia is not in pain; going outdoors with the person suffering from dementia and enjoying nature; always staying socially connected. In the meantime, Dr. Indrani Chakravarty, Chief Functionary of CMIG talked of the importance of dementia friendly communities and encouraged youngsters to become ‘dementia friends’, volunteering to befriend the demented elderly. She said,
“India has a growing elderly population and terminal illnesses in the elderly deserve special attention and distinct approaches. There is need to generate nation wide awareness on diseases like dementia and produce more skilled caregivers to provide domiciliary services to the demented elderly. This programme can help us explore dementia from a holistic angle and identify the areas where there is scope of improvement in dementia care.”
