“Dementia Lithuania” successfully implemented a project “Dementia as a public health priority”, which produced a few outputs, including an educational peer support programme for the carers of people living with dementia and carer’s guidebook. It is the first resource of its kind, the objective is to accompany the carers as they onboard the journey to understand, support and help their loved-one after they receive dementia diagnosis. “I lack words to describe the need of such a resource” said Jovita Babonienė, who is caring after her mother, and who has consulted the resource, “we, the carers know how complex the process of organising care and support is. We need information from the beginning… If I would have had this information when I needed it, I would not have felt that lost in the dark. I am sure it will be helpful to anyone in the carer’s journey”.
The project was funded by the National public health support fund and endorsed by “Alzheimer Europe”, the “World Health Organization” office in Lithuania, as well as the Lithuanian Sports University. “We are thankful to everyone, who supported the development of this resource, and now we’re hoping for the support from all of our partners to make sure that it reaches the people who need it” said Ieva Petkutė, the editor of the toolkit and the President of “Dementia Lithuania” association. The guidebook provides information about dementia, care and support in accordance with the current service system in Lithuania. The resource has been developed in collaboration with a range of professionals in the fields of social care, palliative, medical care, mental health, law, etc. The carers of people living with dementia provided insight and corrections, they are also the authors of the photographs used in the book.
Photo by Eglė Grigaliūnienė “We together” (From “Guidebook for the carers of people living with dementia”, Dementia Lithuania, 2024).