Day Care Center for dementia patients in Chennai

Day care centre opened for dementia-afflicted


CHENNAI: Nearly 25,000 senior citizens in the city suffer from various
degrees of dementia, according to a survey conducted by Dignity
Foundation, a non-governmental organisation. A major chunk of those
with dementia face negligence in families and society, the
Foundation's Director (Chennai Chapter) K.Radhakrishnan said.

Referring to the survey, he said there was an immediate need to
address the geriatric problems of the people. "We have been conducting
periodical surveys by seeking help from various agencies. We have
found that the care-givers find it difficult to nurse dementia
patients, with no systematic treatment modalities available for them."

The Foundation has started a dementia day care centre at Vishranti
Compound, A.V.M.Rajeshwari Gardens, 4/227 M.G.R.Salai, Palavakkam,
here.

The centre houses a physician, clinical psychologist, two professional
social workers and trained nursing attendants. It provides
psychotherapy, dietician-prescribed food, memory gym for mental
stimulation and opportunity for social interaction. The activities
will slow down the process of the degenerative disease,
Mr.Radhakrishnan added.

There is a bus facility to pick up and drop the patients every day
from their houses. The day care centre runs from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For details, contact: 24493165 or 24495979. Families and care-givers
of dementia patients can contact social wokers Joby Jose and Mary Rose
Thomas of the centre.

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