Memory Skills Assessment on Call at Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Activity Centre

Are you concerned over immediate past memory failings or unusual confusion demonstrated by any family member, friend or individual in your community?

  Are you experiencing similar difficulties and problems with your own memory or reasoning?

  As part of its dynamic programme of activities, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation is planning to schedule on a regular basis full cognitive assessment of memory and reasoning skills for any member of the community.

 .A professional memory and skills assessment team will be available to conduct a comprehensive individual psychosocial and memory assessment and provide on the spot results, and suggest further professional medical support and clinical assessment should that be considered beneficial and appropriate.

  The assessment is provided free of charge (donations are welcome), and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes per client. Those attending will be seen on a first come first served basis, though appointments can be made over the phone.

  Although, questions will be asked in English, Sinhala and Tamil interpreters will be available to sit with the assessment team to facilitate the process. Meetings will take place in a private, comfortable interviewing room at the LAF’s Activity Centre, in a relaxed and friendly environment, and all information provided by individuals and carers/family members will be treated with confidentiality.

  Memory loss, confusion and problems with reasoning can result from a wide range of both physical disorders and/or mental health issues. Several tests and examinations may be required in order to obtain an exact picture of what lies behind each problem. LAF does not therefore expect to provide those undertaking the assessment with clear diagnosis of their problems. Instead, LAF wishes to offer an initial assessment for those noticing changes in their own behaviour (or of loved ones), and to encourage and recommend further professional clinical tests and investigations depending on the outcome of each individual assessment.

  Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation looks forward to serving you.

  Call 2667080 for the next available appointment for a

MEMORY SKILLS ASSESSMENT

                     at a mutually agreeable date and time

Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation

Activity Centre

The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation offers an Activity Centre in a warm, welcoming and tranquil environment giving true specialised care to people with dementia. 

The focus of the centre is to provide an environment where people with dementia feel comfortable.  Activities providing stimulation, socially, mentally and physically to meet the individual needs of persons with dementia will be provided as far as possible.

Depending on their wishes and abilities, we offer the person with dementia a wide range of activities at the Centre including reminiscence therapy, music sessions, gentle exercises, arts and crafts, cooking, letter writing and gardening. The Activity Centre is open from 9 to 4 on Mondays and Wednesdays and will provide a hot vegetarian lunch and afternoon tea.

Persons with dementia typically enjoy the opportunity to be with other people in a place where their needs and abilities are understood.  The Centre also enables caregivers to have some respite from their care giving responsibilities.

How to access the Service:

A referral form will be made available and this marks the beginning of an assessment process to determine if the service meets the needs of the person with dementia. The referral form requires confirmation from a GP or consultant that a diagnosis of a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or Parkinson’s related dementia has been made.

As a general rule, the activity centre may be useful to consider when one or more conditions are present:

• The person with dementia seems unable to provide any structure for his/her daily activities,
• He/she is isolated from others for more than an hour or two each day and misses companionship,
• He/she cannot be safely left alone at home,
• The caregiver works outside the home or needs a regular break.

Family Involvement

The involvement of the family is crucial, hence regular feedback is given to the family.  Caregivers are also encouraged to participate in the Caregiver support Group meetings where information and sharing on caring for a person with dementia are provided.

Helpline: + 94 11 2667080  General Lines:  2667082; 2667084; Fax: 2667087

Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it      website: www.alzlanka.org

World Alzheimer's Day was celebrated by the opening of the Lanka Alzheimer's Foundation Secretariat and Service Centre on Wednesday, September 21st., 2011.