“The side impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on older adults, people with dementia and their families is huge and terrifying”, writes Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenia. To counter this, Spominčica has prolonged its telephone helpline hours during the COVID-19 pandemic and has included professional help from neurologists and lawyers. Due to the restrictions, Spominčica is carrying out all its activities online. They also perform weekly workshops for all people living with dementia and strive to engage them in different ways, such as playing serious games and holding social workshops with exercises and discussions online.
Social distancing is difficult for many people to bear, but for those living with dementia, it means also a disruption to daily routines. Nevertheless, going virtual means being more accessible to a larger group of people, both in Slovenia and abroad. Spominčica also provides useful tips for carers in its self-help groups. They post various tips on how to liven up time spent at home, on their website www.spomincica.si and Facebook page, giving them ideas for daily activities while also encouraging people to keep their routines. The now well-established Dementia Friendly Spots in Slovenia are also of great importance in providing accessible information and support in local communities. The network now includes 220 Dementia Friendly Spots across the country that include several institutions and connect people in local communities.
Spominčica is continuously upgrading its knowledge and sharing good practices during COVID-19, and participates in various online conferences, as well as disseminating information and good practice throughout Slovenia. The association’s President, Štefanija L- Zlobec participated in the 2020 UfM Women4Mediterranean online conference as women are even more affected and impacted during this crisis. Spominčica is involved in several Slovenian charity actions, like:
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“Small actions for great joy”, led by DEOS Notranje Gorice. They collect handmade New Year's cards for 21,000 older residents in nursing homes in Slovenia - “Together, we will warm their hearts for the holidays”, writes Spominčica.
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“Sleeves that help”, with Huda Volna in Slovenia. They seek volunteers to join this action to help knit Dementia Sleeves, made of textured and colourful wool. Sleeves can have a positive impact on the well-being of people with dementia, by soothing them, relaxing them and improving their sensory perception. All collected products will be donated to people with dementia during the December holidays.
It is important that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we make sure that our homes are not places of "isolation", but rather that they are safe havens, says Spominčica. The association also encourages people with dementia and especially their families to try to make the most of the various technological advances – smartphones, computers, etc. so they can dispel their fears around such technology, use it, connect online with their loved ones and chat about positive things, including cherished memories from the past. “Positivity is important at this time and we are all trying to preserve it as much as possible!”
