The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation had an eventful year. Contacts with caregivers, especially those living abroad, have increased. Logistics and care management have been significant focuses. Support for the psychogeriatric care and assessment unit at the National Mental Hospital was augmented through the voluntary services of an occupational therapist - Elien van der wijst, from the Netherlands. Craft material and other occupational therapy items were donated by the Foundation. Residents at the unit continue to be fully engaged in the activities introduced by Elien.

The volunteers of the Foundation continue to visit home bound afflicted persons. Several caregivers have contacted the Foundation through the Helpline. The monthly caregiver support group meetings are prominent in the lives of many caregivers. The support of professional carers who provide expert information has been received with much gratitude.

We need to remind ourselves that dementia, a collection of some 100 - 200 different physical brain disorders, is a very formidable disability that robs the afflicted of memory, right thinking and correct behaviour. The burden of caregiving is daunting. Our new dementia contacts in the community have given us much food for thought. Evaluating the burden of care makes us believe that the debilitation caused by dementia is total – 100% caregiving and support are needed around the clock. Reflecting on that premise of caregiving, we believe that a family service culture has to be in place when dementia strikes a family member. Public dementia care facilities are not available and private facilities are scant.

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