New Facebook group supports relatives of Alzheimer’s patients
A FACEBOOK group has been set up to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in the TRNC. The brainchild of İsmet Medi, the group is named “All About Alzheimer’s” and was created in honour of Mr Medi’s late mother Ayşe, who he “watched and cared for . . . as she went from being a strong and capable lady to a mere whisper of her old self”.
Mr Medi administers the group jointly with his good friend Claire Lamb, whose parents also had Alzheimer’s.
In a statement announcing the creation of the group, Ms Lamb said that Alzheimer’s disease is “a subject very close to our hearts”.
“We want . . . to cover all aspects of the disease,” she explained.
“To offer comfort, advice, or even a place to vent! It’s a page for anyone and everyone to share their experience of Alzheimer’s and help raise awareness.”
Ms Lamb added that “over time we want to raise funds, as well as awareness, to be able to offer respite for carers in the form of helping hands”, as well as aiming to “provide equipment to make life easier for both patient and carer”.
“Ultimately it is our goal to provide a safe haven where those suffering from
Alzheimer’s can go to be provided with everything they need,” she stated. “A place where family and friends can visit, knowing their loved ones are getting the best care possible.”
According to a “mission statement”, the “All About Alzheimer’s” group is “all about hope, support, help, advice, and memories” and that “this page is for you and about you”.
The mission statement adds: “On this page, you’ll be able to ask questions, ask for advice from members who have been through, or are currently caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia in its many forms or even vent your feelings. Anything that helps lighten the load.
“Our current aims are to provide a listening ear, help and support, a place to share stories and memories — funny as well as sad.
“In the future we want to provide help with caring for your loved ones, we understand how physically and mentally draining it is providing 24/7 care.
“We want to provide help with the cost of necessary medication and medical needs. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe haven for those suffering with Alzheimer’s in surroundings where they feel safe and cared for.”
The public group has been in existence for just over two weeks, and already has over 200 members. Its logo is a butterfly, which is a symbol now globally associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The butterfly is intended to symbolise the lockedaway and “cocooned” nature of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and that eventually they will be set free from it.