2024-01-14 13:23:29
Around 300 police departments are certified for the competent handling of dementia
Vienna (OTS) – Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Caritas President Michael Landau got an impression of the work at the Urban Loritz-Platz police station in Vienna, which has recently been certified in the competent handling of dementia. “Police face different challenges at all times of the day and night. In order to be able to cope with these tasks when dealing with people suffering from dementia, strong partners like Caritas are needed,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. “I thank the police and the Interior Ministry for taking care of this important issue,” said Landau. Dementia is a major challenge for every society. The Caritas president explained that such illnesses are particularly stressful for relatives. “For this reason, joint efforts are important. Because we can’t let anyone down. “I would like to thank the police for their important service,” emphasized Landau.
Increase in dementia
The average life expectancy of the Austrian population is continuously increasing. As a result, diseases associated with older age are also increasing. An example of such a disease is dementia: it is the most common cause of need for care. According to experts, dementia cases will double in the next two decades.
Competent handling of dementia by the police
In order to train Austrian police officers in dealing with dementia, e-learning modules have been offered for several years. The modules were developed in cooperation with the Danube University Krems and the “MAS Alzheimerhilfe” association. As soon as 70 percent of an agency’s employees have completed the module, the agency is considered to be certified as a “dementia-friendly agency.” This is currently the case at around 300 offices in Austria – and the trend is rising. Through the training, police officers acquire the ability to recognize dementia in people and make the right decisions when carrying out official acts.
The work of Caritas in the care and dementia sector
As one of Austria’s largest service providers in the field of care and support, Caritas offers mobile care and support throughout Austria at home, in senior citizens’ and nursing homes, in assisted living and – when people become terminally ill – through mobile hospice services. Almost 6,000 people live in the 53 Caritas senior citizens’ and nursing homes throughout Austria. Around 2.8 million additional hours are spent in mobile care and support. Over 6,000 full-time Caritas employees work around the clock to provide care and support for those affected and their relatives. Appropriate advice offers targeted relief for relatives, not least for the specific stressful situations for people suffering from dementia. In Caritas dementia cafes, caring relatives can find short-term relief and exchange. Work is also currently underway to expand online support and training for relatives, with which additional target groups of affected people can be reached.
Questions & Contact:
federal Ministry of Internal Affairs
Ministerial Councilor Markus Haindl, BA MA
Press spokesman for the Federal Minister
+43 (0) 1-531 26 – 90 1021
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