An elder-care symposium organized by Directie Ouderenzaken brought professionals from more than 20 organizations together to discuss ageing, dementia and subjects that older residents said needed more open discussion, according to 24ora’s October 24 report.
Minister outlines dementia and home-care concerns
Health Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras said Aruba needs to strengthen support for its ageing population. Referring to information presented during a session, he said approximately 212 people attend the memory centre and around 121 have been identified with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Those figures describe the centre’s reported caseload, not a population-wide prevalence estimate.
Wyatt-Ras described work on home care and cooperation with Wit Gele Kruis, alongside the support available through residential facilities, including SABA’s three large facilities.
Long-term care legislation remains in preparation
The minister also discussed preparations for the Wet Langdurige Zorg, intended to provide financial support to people needing care over a longer period. He expressed hope that the proposal could advance through the legal and advisory process in November; the report does not announce an enacted law.
He emphasized prevention and lifestyle support, including work with Directie Volksgezondheid on the Gecombineerde Leefstijlinterventie programme.
Older residents helped shape the programme
Department spokesperson Damara Rasmijn said the “Embehece Sin Tabu” programme grew out of neighbourhood conversations about information older adults felt was missing. Topics included sexuality, mental health, cognitive decline and end-of-life decisions. Participants could move between rooms, ask questions and speak with professionals. The department will assess interest before deciding the focus of a future edition.
Source: Read the original 24ora report.
