The World Health Organization estimates that 48 million people suffer from dementia worldwide, a figure that could reach 76 million by 2030. Only in Europe, according to EU-28 reports, it is estimated that by 2030 nearly 14 million will have some form of dementia, rising to over 18 million by 2050. In most of the parnter countries, about 80% of care for people with dementia is provided by family, friends and neighbors, with women accounting for more than 70% of informal caregivers. Caregivers of people with dementia have higher rates of unemployment, poverty and a 20% higher incidence of mental health problems compared to the general population. Lack of understanding of dementia is widespread in today’s society, leading to stigmatization and making diagnosis and care more difficult. If left unaddressed, dementia could represent a major barrier to social and economic development.
Facing this problem, the project “reMIND- Reinforcing Carers Capacity to Deal with Dementia” seeks to accompany and strengthen the capacities of caregivers. The project creates an environment where people with dementia, caregivers and communities can be better prepared to cope with the circumstances caused by dementia, and improve their quality of life and well-being. The project helps communities to develop a universal understanding of dementia.
To raise awareness of the disease, an information and awareness campaign about dementia and its consequences on affected persons, caregivers and communities is spread. The project also offers formal and informal caregivers – people with no previous training in the social and health care field – a training program to strengthen their knowledge and skills, better address this disease and at the same time improve their own well-being.
The central pillar of the project is the development of a supportive and inclusive dementia community which, thanks to a network of public and private institutions, comprehensively supports caregivers and be friendlier and safer for people with dementia. The community integrates different organizations (socio-health services, associations, leisure spaces, stores, etc.) so that they can together develop or improve services for caregivers (information service, support groups, training, activities, and more).
