Nightingales Dementia Care

Program Manager: Dr. Priyamvada

Dementia is a brain disorder and the most devastating illness of old age. Although there is no prevention or cure, systematic care coupled with sympathy and understanding alone can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from dementia.

Nightingales Medical Trust has set up a dementia care unit on the premises of Sandhya Kirana. Here, in a homely and secure environment, elders with dementia are taken care of during daytime from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by trained nurses and therapists. The elders get personalised and devoted care. This programme offers much needed relief to caring family members. The project also provides transport to a distance of up to 5 kms.

SERVICES

Public Education

In view of the stigma attached to this disease in India, the dementia cases are pushed under the carpet and untold suffering within the family is the result. Attributing the symptoms to old age, early detection and systematic care are often neglected. Through public education we create awareness that dementia is only a disease that can happen to any body and early detection and proper care could make an improvement in the lives of the patients. This programme includes interpersonal contacts, group meetings in senior citizens organizations, old age homes and educational institutions, display of posters in hospitals and publicity through media.


Community Screening

Elders are screened for symptoms and potential risks for developing dementia. A team of experts will conduct special camps using scientific tools anywhere in Bangalore for a minimum of 20 elders. For individuals, this facility is available at our centres.


Online Self Assessment

NMT, along with the Bangalore Chapter of ARDSI has launched a website www.dementiabangalore.in to enable elders and family members to have a self assessment of symptoms leading to dementia. The Website becomes significant as it helps people who hesitate to go out seeking help, and also as screening facilities are very few in Bangalore.

Counselling and Guidance through Helpline

In most cases, initial symptoms are ignored and attributed to age. Family members need to be educated about the nature and seriousness of the disease and about the do’s and don’ts while handling the patients. A Dementia Helpline with phones 9342730936/59 is open 9 am to 9pm and operates on all days to provide information on dementia management

symptoms and care, counselling and available support systems.


Support Group

The purpose of this group is to provide support to caregivers and thus allow them to cope better by:

  • Sharing their feelings and experiences
  • Learning more above the disease and giving care
  • Helping others through sharing of ideas and information and providing mutual support
  • Encouraging caregivers to take care of themselves
  • Knowing that they are not alone


Presently the group meets second Saturday of every month between 3 pm to 5 pm.

Training of Caregivers

Caregivers job is very stressful and often leading to a breaking point. Besides sympathy and patience they need to have a good knowledge of the disease and understanding of the victims unpredictable behaviour. Periodical training is arranged for caregivers both professionals and family members at various levels.


Rehabilitation

Rehabilitative care in the different stages of dementia is a vital need in managing the behavioural symptoms and other associated physical limitations. The programme focuses on the client’s  abilities and aims to promote independence in daily living. Experts provide rehabilitative care through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy with prior appointment.


In-home Service

Cognitive and memory training can be carried out at patient’s home to solve families’ escort problem. Our Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist design comprehensive care plans and home training to maintain patient’s abilities in daily functioning. We also advise on home care management, behavioural management techniques and environmental safety and modification. Home Medical Services such as doctors visit, nursing care, diagnostic services etc could be arranged.


Day Care Centres

Patients could be sent to the day care centres at Kasturinagar and Shanthinagar during day time. This provides respite service for families with Dementia patients to have a break from the intensive care giving task. The persons with dementia can also benefit from a series of cognitive training and activities including reality orientation, reminiscence, memory training, music therapy, ADL training, art and craft operation.

Memory Clinic / Early Detection Centre

Early dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, can be identified through screening tests and assessment by a Neurologist. Early intervention in this stage through medication can effectively help to delay the progression of clinical symptoms. Referral for medical investigations will be made when necessary. This service is provided with appointment


Additionally, Nightingales Medical Trust is promoting the Bangalore Chapter of ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India) too.


Caregivers Respond

“Nightingales Dementia Day Care was God’s gift to me and my family when we came to know that my mother is suffering from dementia. When we lost hope on many occasions due to the deterioration of my mother’s condition from bad to worse, they helped us a lot through their care and support. Their support group meetings and advice help us immensely in understanding and handling dementia.”

-Latha Pravin, Caregiver


“The support group meetings by the Nightingales Dementia Care Programme help me accept more wholeheartedly my role as a caregiver. It has helped me move beyond the acceptance of care giving to perceiving its joys and that is a blessing.”

-Swapna Kishore, Caregiver


Contact Details:

Nightingales Dementia Care

c/o Sandhya Kirana

Next to Divyashree Chambers

Opp. Sita Bhateja Nursing Home

Akkithimmanahalli, Shantinagar

Bangalore – 560025


Phone:   080 – 41248448

080 – 41248449


Timings:  9.30 am to 5 pm (Monday to Saturday)


Email Address:  dementiabangalore@gmail.com

Website:  http://www.dementiabangalore.in

Blog:  http://dementiabangalore.blogspot.com

Dementia Helpline:  9342730936 OR 9342730959