Naju-si Receives Praise for Operating 100-Year Safe Senior Centers... 180 Locations Designated

Published 29 Nov.2023 15:07(KST)

Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Yoon Byung-tae) successfully completed the cognitive enhancement program called ‘Neodu(頭) Nadu(頭) 100-Year Classroom’ held this year at the 100-Year Safe Senior Centers.

According to the city on the 29th, the 100-Year Safe Senior Centers were designated and operated for the first time this year at 180 locations as part of establishing the Naju-type integrated dementia care service system centered on village senior centers.

Elderly residents are participating in a cognitive enhancement program at the '100-Year Safe Village Senior Center,' which Naju City has designated and operated for the first time this year for proactive dementia prevention and management.
[Photo by Naju City]

The focus was on helping dementia patients overcome dementia and lead happy lives together with residents in their villages without being physically or psychologically isolated or admitted to facilities.

At these senior centers, 100-Year Care Managers, who hold certifications in elderly care and welfare, were dispatched weekly to conduct cognitive enhancement programs that assist in dementia prevention and management.

The care managers also visited the homes of dementia patients once a month to check on signs and well-being, providing meticulous dementia care services.

The cognitive enhancement program was conducted over a total of 18 sessions from June to November, targeting 1,820 residents (1,500 high-risk individuals and 320 dementia patients).

Using dementia prevention exercises and educational materials, cognitive training, reminiscence therapy, cognitive music and art, as well as emotional and health support programs, not only patients but also their families and residents participated together, forming a dementia-friendly village community.

The Dementia Safety Center of Naju City Public Health Center, which supervised the project, conducted cognitive screening tests, elderly depression scales, and subjective memory decline assessments for 1,820 residents aged 60 and over before and after the program.

The cognitive screening scores of participants increased by 15%, from an average of 13 to 15. The elderly depression scale decreased by 50%, from an average of 4 to 2, and memory decline scores also halved, from an average of 4 to 2, verifying the program’s effectiveness.

According to the survey results, 97.2% of program participants expressed satisfaction and wished to continue participating.

The Dementia Safety Center supported 320 dementia patients with care supplies and treatment management fees, and cared for dementia patients’ households through regular case management, monitoring, and linking with community resources.

An elderly participant in the program said, “I was able to enjoy my later years by participating in various activities with peers at the senior center near my home,” and expressed gratitude to the care managers and Dementia Safety Center staff who helped with dementia prevention and memory maintenance.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae of Naju said, “Through the operation of the 100-Year Safe Senior Centers, it has become an opportunity not only for the emotional stability of dementia patients and their families but also for residents to engage in proactive dementia prevention, management, information sharing, and communication,” adding, “Since the effectiveness has been verified, next year we will expand services so that all elderly can prevent dementia and enjoy a healthy old age.”