Health authority backs GADS launch of Dementia Friends

THE Gibraltar Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society (GADS) has announced the creation of Dementia Friends, an organisation which aims to change perceptions of dementia and to raise better understanding and a greater awareness of the disease in the community.

Dementia Friends Gibraltar was officially launched at a packed event in the Mediterranean Rowing Club backed by the Ministry for Health and the Gibraltar Health Authority.

At the launch, GADS chairperson, Daphne Alcantara, said “There are over 400 people diagnosed with dementia in Gibraltar, a number which is growing every year. We want to change the way people think, talk and act about dementia, and to get a far greater involvement from all sectors of society, not just the government, to ensure that people living with dementia feel properly integrated in our community.”

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, Neil F Costa MP said he was delighted with the GADS initiative to launch Dementia Friends Gibraltar explaining “The recent opening of the excellent Bella Vista Dementia Day Centre and the forthcoming inauguration of the new Dementia residential facility with a 52 bed capacity, which will be opening its doors in April 2017, reflect our staunch commitment to provide the best possible care for a vulnerable section of our population.

“It is also worth noting that all furniture within Elderly Residential Services facilities will be replaced with Dementia friendly fixtures and fittings,” he added.