Institutional support for people with dementia of Alzheimer’s type and their carers – Cracow’s experience

Introduction
Cognitive deficits in the course of dementia are commonly diagnosed among elderly people. In connection with their progressive, incura-ble nature it is necessary to provide professional care for patients and their caregivers. Unfortunately, help for people with dementia and their carers is not sufficient, and deficits in legal and social areas are also noticed.

Aim of the study
To present the functioning of the Day and Activation Centre for Dependent People in the Municipal Care Centre in Cracow, at 267 Wielicka Street.

Material and methods
Analysis of scientific literature and the authors’ own experience from the implementation of the program for the Day and Activation Cen-tre for Dependent People.

Results
The facility is an example of an indirect form of service provision between care in the community and round-the-clock care. It provides caregivers with support in various dimensions.

Conclusions
The establishment of day centres for people with dementia should be a trend in providing specialist assistance to patients and their carers. Providing caregivers with professional knowledge about dementia allows them to understand emerging changes in the behaviour and functioning of those under their care, and at the same time gives them the opportunity to prepare themselves to meet the challenges of a progressive disease.