Our center provides the following services:

  • Fall Prevention
  • Memory Enhancement Programs
  • Home Rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy Environmental Assessment
  • Ergonomic Adjustments
  • Physical Endurance Improvement Program for Individuals Recovering from COVID-19

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SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS AND FAMILY ENVIRONMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA OR MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS

Caregivers, along with the family environment, carry a significant portion of the care required for individuals with dementia or severe mobility dysfunctions. According to Wimo, Gauthier & Prince,2018,the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise from 50 million in 2018 to approximately 82 million by 2030. Low- and middle-income countries are most affected, where caregiving duties are primarily undertaken by women, who contribute significantly to the overall care of individuals with needs.

However, caring for individuals with dementia or mobility restrictions is particularly demanding, both physically and mentally. According to Bauer & Sousa – Posa, 2015, and Bom, Bakx, Schut & Van Doorslaer, 2018, caregiving is associated with a significant burden on the caregiver’s mental and physical health. Depression is also commonly observed, especially in caregivers of individuals with severe cognitive or mobility impairments (Karg, Graessel, Randzio & Pendergrass, 2018).

Τhe "caregiver burden," as recognized globally, includes mental, emotional, physical, and often financial strain. Therefore, for all these reasons, it is essential to provide support for caregivers so they can offer the best possible daily care for individuals with needs, while also managing their own mental and emotional stress.

The support for caregivers and the family environment of individuals with dementia or motor impairments can be implemented and completed holistically through occupational therapy interventions across three key areas.

Theoretical training

Understanding dementia

Training aimed at understanding the concept of dementia, its symptoms, stages, and various forms (e.g., Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia).

Basic medical knowledge

Training in first aid, handling emergencies, proper medication management and administration, as well as fall prevention education.

Practical training

Mobility support

Learning techniques for safe movement and lifting to avoid injuries. Training in exercises aimed at improving the mobility of individuals with needs, their safe transfer, and the correct use of orthopedic or other assistive devices.

Daily care

Support to help individuals better manage their daily routines, such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and other activities, with the goal of promoting their independence.

Cooperation with health professionals

Understanding the necessity of collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as doctors, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, is crucial in providing optimal care for individuals with needs.

Communication skills

Learning non-verbal communication techniques, such as gestures and facial expressions, is essential. Strengthening patience and the ability to understand the full spectrum of interactions with individuals with dementia

Personal skills

Application of techniques for learning and strengthening calmness and patience, especially under pressure.

Emotional support and self-care

Empathy

Support to develop empathy and understanding of the emotional needs of people with needs.

Support for the caregiver and family

Understanding the need for, and the benefits arising from, collaboration with caregivers and the family environment.

Stress management

Learning strategies to manage stress, physical and mental fatigue of the caregiver and family.

Support and networking

Providing information regarding support groups and networking with other carers.

It is emphasized that caregiver and family support, as well as ongoing education regarding new methods and best practices for providing care to individuals with needs, must be continuous. This support should always be adapted to meet both the needs of the individual and those of the caregiver.

At our center, we rely on occupational therapy techniques and methods to facilitate the work of the caregiver, making collaboration easier with both the individual in need of care and their family. We have the proper training to support the most effective and prompt identification of the needs of all three parties involved in the relationship surrounding a person with dementia or mobility impairments: the individual, their family, and their caregiver.

Contact us to guide you towards the easiest solutions through our occupational therapy techniques and strategies.