On 14 June, our Slovenian member opened a “Dementia-Friendly Point” at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Dementia-Friendly Point was jointly opened by the Minister of Health, Dr Valentina Prevolnik Rupel and the President of Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenija, Štefanija Lukič Zlobec. At the event, Ms Zlobec presented the Minister with a certificate for the Dementia-Friendly Point, and together they placed the Dementia-Friendly Point sticker at the entrance of the Ministry and answered questions from the media. On this occasion, the Minister of Health emphasised that her Ministry is aware and recognises the crucial importance of Dementia-Friendly Points for improving the quality of life of people with dementia and their families.
Dementia represents one of the greatest challenges of an ageing society, therefore, they are striving for better understanding, acceptance, and support for people facing dementia, as well as their families and loved ones. Prof. Dr Zvezdan Pirtosek, neurologist and president of the professional council of Spominčica and Dr Nožidar Voljč, member of the professional council of Spominčica, attended the opening. Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenija is pleased that important stakeholders are joining the network of Dementia-Friendly Points as they are an excellent example of good practice, contributing to maintaining dignity, independence, and integrity of people with dementia, as well as reducing the stigma associated with the condition. The network of Dementia-Friendly Points established by Spominčica now includes 433 different organisations across Slovenia and this will contribute to creating a dementia-friendly society in Slovenia.