More than 90% of the families of people with dementia feel key the attitude of the staff of the centres.

-68% of respondents considered that the most problematic symptoms of the disease are those related to changes in the behaviour of the patient

– consulting, Spain pioneer, is repeated annually to see the evolution of results

-79% of respondents believed that the system of shared responsibility between State and citizen is the best to pay for expenses

Madrid, November 2011- although terms such as dementia or Alzheimer are known, there are medical and social aspects that still escape us. According to the survey conducted by Sanitas Residencial relatives, professionals and carers of patients with dementia, fear of change is the first concern when the disease in 62 per cent of cases diagnosed, followed by the obligation to take care of them with a 32%.

Thus reveals it the study for the Alzheimer care centred ”, which launched Sanitas Residencial last July in order to learn first hand the needs of these patients and their families so as to improve service to the residents with some type of dementia. A query is pioneer in Spain, which will be repeated annually to see the evolution of the results. The initiative has received in this first edition with the support of Association National the Alzheimer – AFALcontigo Segovia AFA, AFA, AFA Valencia, AFA Pollença, network Neuronet and Alzheimer Catalunya, among other institutions. Respondents considered that the homes are the most used service for the elderly with dementia (47%). 40% Of the respondents has been able to opt for day centres, while only 2% has resorted to the night. Telecare or help at home, sit below 36% and 34%, respectively.

Asked what he would help give better care to patients with dementia in residences, 93 per cent thought that improve the attitude of the staff with regard to these people is essential. Secondly, respondents value that carers have a good knowledge of technical and medical (87%). Communication with families is important for 85% and have adapted spaces and 82% stresses the importance of customization in hygiene.

Simply communicate (41%) and tasks daily such as eating, sleeping or hygiene (44%) are also among the issues more difficult pose to families and staff serving these sick.

When a family member or a close person is diagnosed with the disease, it is important that they receive all the information and protection. Although more than half of the respondents considered that they have obtained enough information on dementia and the progression of the disease (57 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively), it is true that 53% of respondents think that it has not received sufficient information on legal rights and living will and family associations (42%).

More research and support of the State

Study also emphasizes the need for that State to take charge of the cost of care that requires the disease with a system of co-responsibility of citizens, as it marks the law of promotion of Personal autonomy and care of persons in a situation of dependence. Thus for 79% of respondents, the public purse should cover part cost and partly because citizens users in proportion to their economic capacity (minor form or totally by the State in cases of rents and lower asset management).

For 21% of respondents the Central Government must take responsibility, while 20% believed that this corresponds to the autonomous communities.

In relation to research, 56% of people who have responded to the survey is of the view that they are not sufficient efforts being made to find out more information about the disease – only 5% is satisfied. In addition, for 23% this type of work is not sufficiently coordinated. The same percentage says only disseminates information about findings in diagnosis.

The project by the Alzheimer care person-centered ” also delves into the support of the institutions. Family (with a rating of good or very good in 85% of cases) and service providers such as residences, day or home (71%) support centres are institutions better valued.

Associations of family members are some of the institutions best valued (with 65 per cent), however the results of the consultation show that 28% of respondents fail to evaluate them through ignorance of their role. Specifically, the role that associations of family members can help in these cases is best known among the health professionals and gerocultores (74%) than among themselves relatives of patients (47%).

The evaluation of autonomous communities and the media (both with 40%) and municipalities (reaching 35%) complete the answers.

One of the most serious problems leading to dementia is the cognitive loss suffered by patients. For this reason, 89% of family members and caregivers surveyed by Sanitas Residencial considers of vital importance some dementia patients available to aid in identification and tracking by GPS when they reside in their homes.

Dementia program

For three years, Sanitas Residencial offers in each of its centers a care program for people with dementia so that all those residents with some dementia can have a personalised service and the best care. The model affects both to care and the physical spaces and activities carried out. In addition, the programme also includes specialized training in dementia addressed to all employees of Sanitas Residencial.

You sanitas hospital manages four hospitals and 69 medical centers multiespecialidad and dental. You sanitas residential is one of the main companies of Spain elderly care, he has 41 residences throughout the country and has more than 5,000 residential spaces.

You sanitas more solutions for taking care of you offers a wide range of complementary services of health and welfare in their own centres and through the Sanitas Mundosalud centers.