Christine Kammerstätter: The heart of the dementia companion in the hospital!

Christine Kammerstätter, a committed pensioner, is one of ten dementia -friendly companions in the Hospital of the Merciful Sisters in Mariahilf, where she has been working voluntarily for over 13 years. Her career for this altruistic activity is remarkable: originally she had no relation to the care or challenges of dementia. But the need to return something has prompted her to take care of people with dementia. She is often in the hospital several times a week, gives the patient company, plays cards and ensures a smile.
How the information from the Hospital statistics Because demographic development in Austria and Germany continuously increases the number of older people suffering from dementia. These statistics are important because they reflect the structural situation in the hospitals and underline the need that the patient will receive extensive help, especially in times of scarce resources and increasing demands in healthcare.

important role of the volunteers

chamber facility always attracts her striking felt flower, a distinguishing feature of all volunteers in the hospital, and explains: "empathy and empathy are crucial." It is an integral part of the facility, which, among other things, is to offer the patients who suffer from memory loss. The emotional wages of your work is incomparable for you: "The best moment is when the patients ask when I come back." This type of social support is particularly important because the patients often struggle with difficulties to remember their companions, which in turn enriches society enormously and promotes well -being on both sides.