Time out for nurses: coffee chips in Neunkirchen offers support

Time out for nurses: coffee chips in Neunkirchen offers support

In the Otto-Reiffenrath-Haus in Neunkirchen, caring relatives meet regularly to exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Today is an enjoyable afternoon where the participants take a little break from the challenging everyday life of dementia accompaniment in cakes and coffee. "It is important to talk about the stressful times. In such rounds you can tell that you are not alone," says Bettina Großhaus-Lutz, who organizes the coffee meetings.

The care of a relative of dementia is a task that requires a lot of strength. It is often women who find themselves in this role, while men are less likely to be responsible for care. Women's concerns not only include physical care, but also the emotional stress that is accompanied by the disease. "Often someone always has to be at home because sometimes the partners can no longer orient themselves alone," explains one participant.

support and exchange in the cafe break

Women have the opportunity to accommodate their relatives during the coffee sound in the dementia care group. "This is a valuable relief," says one of those present. It is often friends or relatives who spontaneously offer support during the coffee break. "Sometimes I just ask if I need a little time -out. I accept that," she adds.

The Cafe time out was launched four years ago and is fully financed by the municipality of Neunkirchen. Bettina Großhaus-Lutz emphasizes that it is important to develop strategies for your own mental health in order to be able to work well in care. "If we don't pay attention to ourselves, we cannot offer our relatives the necessary support," she explains.

The conversations with coffee and cake are often shaped by humor. Nursing concerns are processed with ease, even if there are many sad aspects. Sometimes strange snapshots arise when, for example, the demented partner throws around clothes that can ensure successful moments in everyday life. These little bright spots are important to counter the stressful reality.

The challenges of short -term care

Another important topic at the meetings are the possibilities of short -term care. Places in dormitories are rare and often have to be reserved up to one year in advance. "It is really difficult to get a place at short notice," explains Großhaus-Lutz. Those present tell of their experiences. A woman reports that she initially felt guilty when she wanted to accommodate her husband in a short -term care facility. "He asked what to do there, but I explained to him that it was his vacation too," she says. "So I managed to enjoy the week in the mountains."

Reality for the caring relatives is often that they are suddenly responsible for everything. This adaptation in your life is not easy. "You often hardly recognize the partner. You have to learn to deal with it first," says Großhaus-Lutz. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening talks and mutual support to deal with this enormous emotional load.

When the event comes to an end and the participants make their way home, the hope remains hope that they will find time in the coming week to treat themselves to a break again. The regular exchange in the Cafe break is a valuable offer that not only offers relatives the opportunity to share their experiences, but also to support each other. For many, this means not being alone even in difficult times, and that is priceless.

Further details and information can be found here .