About one million people are currently suffering from some form of dementia. ASB Regional Confederation Herne-Gelsenkirchen e.V. has recognized early enough that those suffering from dementia need a special care service. Within the last years specialised residential areas have been created in several inpatient geriatric care facilities. These residential areas promote a homely atmosphere and residents suffering from dementia are being offered empathetic support. Not only pieces of vintage furniture constitute a part of that residential unit but also a fine-tuned coordinated social support programme, a close cooperation with neurologists and close contact to the relatives of our residents.

It goes without saying that they all play a prominent role in the daily routine, since for us their experiences with parents and relatives are the central theme to the personality of those entrusted to us. Close and frequent contact between residents and their relatives is something we very much welcome; our houses are always open to that.

Groundbreaking model: Support of residential groups for people suffering from dementia in the ASB residential and support centre Spaces of Living

With the residential and support centre "Spaces of Living" located in the heart of Herne the Confederation opened in 2007 an unparalleled facility offering support for people suffering from dementia. The building has three residential units with nine residents each and from the outset it has been adapted to the needs of the people suffering from dementia. Hence, there are large windows, circular paths within the building and mnemonic aids on the doors to the rooms.

But accompanying people with dementia also implies that relatives already give support and advice when caring for them at home within their own four walls. For this purpose ASB Regional Confederation Herne-Gelsenkirchen e.V. runs own info-points, organizes conversation evenings and information sessions with people affected and offers family caregivers training courses regarding neurological and care-related questions. To this end the Confederation is closely cooperating with medical specialists.

We are delighted to pass on expert knowledge and experience gained from these specialised support and care services: to people affected, groups interested in the topic or the specialised public. Our experts would be happy to give presentations or participate in specialist discussion.