Dresden in concern: Cuts in dementia counseling threaten foster families!

Dresden in concern: Cuts in dementia counseling threaten foster families!

Dresden, Deutschland - in Dresden is a dramatic picture for caring relatives of dementia patients. Jens Bürger, the 57-year-old son of a badly demented 85-year-old mother, took responsibility for her care. Despite the drastic challenges, he remains tireless and wakes up every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in her age -appropriate apartment in the Cotta district. It is noticeable to the increasing loneliness that his mother has had almost no interaction for years. The disease that gradually developed over 15 years has banished it into the silence of her bed, accompanied by the cats Micke and Mia, who bought citizens two years ago to bring some life into the apartment.

But not only the family stands in front of this bitter reality. According to a report by Sächsische.de and their relatives- the contact and advice center Gerda in Dresden- significantly reduced in the coming months. The city has decided to close two out of four locations and significantly shorten the remaining areas. So far, these facilities have offered valuable support for the approximately 20,000 mentally ill elderly in the region. The relatives are unsettled and demand a withdrawal of the cuts. Petitions and protest actions have been started to raise the voice of those affected.

lack of support for relatives

The topic of dementia requires comprehensive knowledge and targeted support in order to ensure the quality of life of both those affected and the caregivers. The Federal Ministry of Family, Seniors, Women and Youth provides information about dementia as part of a knowledge and aid network. As bmfsfj.de "Guide dementia" orientation and advice to reduce fears and promote an exchange among relatives. However, the offers are threatened and show a clear need for systemic support for people with dementia and their families.

Jens Bürger is aware that he has to pay attention to himself so as not to neglect in care. The care allowance he receives is a help, but by no means a replacement for the increased support that he and many others need. "I can only recommend everyone to look for help at an early stage," he concludes his urgent message, while he continues to take care of his mother and sticks to common memories.