Seoul Jung-gu Operates 'Visiting Smart Shelter' for Elderly with Dementia

1:1 Cognitive Program at Homes of Elderly with Dementia 'Visiting Smart Shelter'...Training 'Kumnamu Memory Friends' for a Society Without Dementia Stigma

Visiting Smart Shelter Participating Seniors

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) operates the 'Visiting Smart Shelter,' a program that provides one-on-one cognitive programs by visiting the homes of dementia seniors who have been unable to receive long-term program treatment due to COVID-19.

The 'Visiting Smart Shelter' is a home-visit program that prevents the worsening of symptoms in mild dementia seniors and provides care services so that families of dementia patients can take a break while the service is being provided.

This program converts the existing group services provided by the Jung-gu Dementia Safety Center into a visiting service in response to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Operating from March 22 to May 14 this year, occupational therapists from the Jung-gu Dementia Safety Center visit a total of 15 mild dementia seniors and provide cognitive programs lasting more than one hour twice a week, totaling eight sessions.

The cognitive program consists of cognitive stimulation training to improve daily living abilities, using computerized cognitive rehabilitation devices (Bettercog) and workbooks, including ▲ reminiscence training ▲ working memory training ▲ response and orientation training ▲ Smoby exercises (balance and muscle strengthening).

Additionally, Jung-gu simultaneously conducts 'Dream Tree Memory Friend' training for high school students in the area to create a dementia-friendly environment where dementia seniors and their families can live without worry.

A 'Memory Friend' is not someone who does special work for dementia patients but a person who correctly understands dementia and helps dementia patients and their families with a warm heart.

This project aims to improve negative perceptions of dementia in the community and increase the number of people who warmly support dementia patients and their families, creating an environment where anyone can live a stable life without worry about dementia.

The 'Dream Tree Memory Friend' training will be held once a week for three hours from March 24 to June 15 for students of Daegyeong Commercial High School and Seongdong Global Management High School.

Through this, students will learn to understand dementia and how to respond to various situations when meeting dementia patients and their families in the community.

It is expected to help create a culture of respect and consideration for the increasing number of dementia seniors.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "Through this service, we will strive to create an environment where mild dementia seniors in Jung-gu can spend their remaining years healthily with family and neighbors in the community without going to nursing homes or social welfare institutions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.