Local centre offers support for those with dementia and Alzheimer's
Centre offers activities for those with dementia and Alzheimer's, and help for their loved ones
"I couldn't take care of her any more," said Chan Wai-nang of her mother, Tsang Chiu-deng.
But it was not enough, as Tsang struggled to cope with the death of her spouse. Chan was at her wits' end, spending 24 hours a day on watch.
"She would wake up in the middle of the night, throw tantrums. Only once you have taken care of a dementia patient can you know how hard it is," she said. "My brother, who lives with her, could no longer handle it. Even with doctors' advice, I wasn't really able to help her."
Support came from a day centre in Tseung Kwan O for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, run by the Hong Kong Alzheimer's Disease Association.
The therapists and care workers at the centre put on activities that provide both physical and cognitive exercise - such as maths or music - designed to help dementia patients slow down the degeneration of their faculties.
The centre also offers community life training, giving patients tips for taking care of themselves, buying goods at a supermarket or taking the bus.
"I could see a major improvement in my mother. She was much calmer, slept better and had some sort of schedule and social setting to keep her occupied," said Chan. Tsang goes to the centre once a week.
"As relatives, it also gave us breathing room," said Chan. "And here it's very professional - there are specially trained people who understand the illness and pay attention to small details."
"The mission is to allow [dementia patients] to live in their communities for as long as possible," said the centre's assistant director, Maggie Lee Nga-yee.
"Our centre has a maximum capacity to serve 36 people each day," she said. "Most patients take some form of medicine, but we've discovered that there are a lot of simple exercises which greatly help them slow down the deterioration. And social activities are also crucial in keeping their minds and bodies healthy."
A day at the centre costs HK$300, an amount many working-class families cannot afford.
Operation Santa Claus will be raising funds to allow the centre to charge families HK$100.
HOW YOU CAN GIVE
- Donate online by credit card at osc.scmp.com
- Donate at an ATM or at any HSBC branch (account no: 502-676299-001for SCMP Charities Ltd – Operation Santa Claus)
- You can donate with a cheque payable to “SCMP Charities Ltd – Operation Santa Claus” and mail it to: Operation Santa Claus, Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories
- Donations of HK$100 or more are tax-deductible. If you would like a tax receipt, please send the completed donation form and original bank receipt, with your name, address and phone number, to the above address.
