Dementia Is Not a Matter of Age
Right from the start, it became clear how important information and an open approach to the topic are. Heike Dierbach, Deputy Director of Labor, Youth, and Social Affairs and Head of the Department of Social Affairs, Care, and Welfare, pointed out that dementia by no means affects only the elderly; people in the prime of their professional and family lives can also develop the condition.
Speaker Christina Kuhn, Managing Director and Scientific Director of Demenz Support GmbH in Stuttgart, summed up a key message: “A diagnosis is a turning point, but not the end.” People with dementia retain their abilities, desires, feelings, and needs. Therefore, the crucial question is not only what becomes more difficult, but also what remains possible.
Physical activity, social contacts, and shared activities can play an important role in this. Whether it’s a walk, music, dancing, gardening, or meeting up with friends—staying active also means participating in life.
More Than 40 Events
The diversity of this commitment was evident throughout the week with more than 40 events and activities across the county. Cities and towns, care and counseling facilities, services, clubs, organizations, and volunteers participated, creating opportunities for information, exchange, connection, and support in various locations.
The added value of the week lay not only in the number of events. New ideas, inspiration, and connections emerged. People learned about available resources, struck up conversations with one another, and discovered that they are not alone with their questions and challenges. This also highlighted how well-prepared the district is when it comes to dementia: a diverse network collectively supports these services. At the same time, the week offered an opportunity to learn from one another, take up new ideas, and raise awareness of existing support services.
Advice and Support from the Very Beginning
A central point of contact is the Care Support Center in Ludwigsburg County. It provides independent, impartial, confidential, and free advice on caregiving, dementia, support in daily life, and respite care options. The counseling services are organized by geographic area and include teams for the southern, northern, and western parts of the district, as well as for the cities of Ludwigsburg and Bietigheim-Bissingen. In addition, the district’s volunteer support group for people with memory loss assists those affected in the early stages of the disease by offering personal consultations.
The district’s guardianship authority is also part of the support network. It provides information on topics such as legal guardianship, durable power of attorney, emergency spousal representation, and advance directives, and can notarize signatures on durable powers of attorney and advance directives. Through this notarization, these powers of attorney can also be used for certain legal transactions, such as real estate transactions. Thinking about a power of attorney early on provides clarity in case one is no longer able to manage one’s own affairs later on and makes it possible to designate a trusted person to do so.
What Remains from Dementia Awareness Week
“The events are over, but our shared commitment continues. Dementia Awareness Week has made one thing clear above all else: the district is moving forward together. In many places, people are learning, trying new things, helping one another, and talking to each other. Above all, what’s needed is understanding, appropriate support, and opportunities for connection. Dementia Awareness Week has shown how much can be achieved when people, organizations, local communities, and volunteers work together to maintain participation and self-determination and to share the challenges,” says Dierbach.
Resources for People with Dementia
The first point of contact for questions about dementia is the district’s care support center. The central contact number for Team South is 07141 144-2465; for the northern part of the district, 07141 144-2469; for the western part of the district, 07141 144-2467; the city of Ludwigsburg at 07141 910-3123, and the city of Bietigheim-Bissingen at 07142 74-761.
The district’s guardianship authority can be reached at 07141 144-2464 and provides advice on matters of legal guardianship and advance planning.
In addition, interested individuals can contact local facilities and services directly to inquire about their specific offerings. Cities, municipalities, associations, and organizations also provide information about support options in their area.
