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Dem.Care.Abt

From August 2025 to August 2027, we are implementing the Dem.Care.Abt project under the Partnerships for Social Inovation.

Living better with dementia, in the community

Caring for the person. Supporting those who care.

Dem.Care.Abt is a social innovation project aimed at improving the quality of life of people living with dementia and their informal caregivers through a specialised, integrated and community-based approach.

We start from a fundamental idea: even after a dementia diagnosis, there is still much that can be done to promote abilities, functioning, well-being, participation and quality of life.

At the same time, we recognise that caring for a person with dementia brings significant challenges. For this reason, the intervention does not focus only on the person living with dementia: it also includes those who provide care.

Why Dem.Care.Abt?

Dementia causes progressive cognitive, behavioural and functional changes, affecting a person’s autonomy and everyday life. Its impact also extends to families and, in particular, to informal caregivers.

The needs assessment carried out in the local area before the project was developed identified several important gaps: a shortage of specialised dementia services, a need for activities adapted to people living with dementia, and a need for greater information, training and support for caregivers.

Dem.Care.Abt was created to help address these needs by bringing specialised interventions closer to people, families and the community.

Add the project’s specific interventionsHighlight what remains possible after diagnosis

An intervention centred on the person and those who care

O Dem.Care.Abt assenta numa abordagem integrada, organizada em três dimensões complementares:

Stimulating abilities. Promoting functioning and well-being.

The interventions aim to build on the person’s preserved abilities and provide meaningful experiences, addressing different dimensions — cognitive, motor, emotional and social.

Understanding. Empowering. Supporting.

The caregiver is a fundamental part of the intervention.

We aim to increase knowledge about dementia, provide practical strategies to address everyday challenges, and contribute to a more positive caregiving relationship that is better adapted to the person’s needs.

Creating community-based responses to live better with dementia.

The response to dementia should not be limited to the person and their family. Dem.Care.Abt seeks to engage different organisations and community resources, promoting coordination, awareness and a local response that is better prepared to support people living with dementia.

How do we intervene?

Dem.Care.Abt integrates different methodologies and non-pharmacological interventions, selected according to the characteristics and needs of each participant.

Body, movement and well-being in an aquatic environment

An aquatic intervention programme that integrates principles and techniques from the Halliwick, Ai Chi and Watsu approaches.

The intervention aims to address physical, cognitive and emotional dimensions in an environment that simultaneously promotes movement, body awareness, relaxation and well-being.

Rhythm, music, movement and cognition

The Ronnie Gardiner Method is a multisensory approach that combines rhythm, music, movement, language and symbols.

Through structured group exercises, different cognitive and motor functions are engaged simultaneously in a dynamic, stimulating and socially participatory setting.

Caring for those who care

The intervention with informal caregivers aims to help them better understand dementia and identify practical strategies for everyday situations.

Approaches based on the SPECAL Method and Validation Therapy are used, with an emphasis on person-centred communication, understanding the person’s emotions and life story, and recognising the abilities that remain preserved.

The aim is to support a more positive caregiving relationship and increase the caregiver’s confidence in managing everyday situations.

How does it work?

Referral or registration: Potential participants may be referred by their family, healthcare professionals, institutions or other community organisations.

Contact and screening: The team contacts the person/family to understand their situation and assess whether they meet the conditions for participation.

Initial assessment: An assessment is carried out to better understand the characteristics, needs and abilities of both the person and the caregiver.

Intervention: The most appropriate interventions are defined and the participant is integrated into the project activities. The intervention lasts for **five months**.

Final assessment: Changes throughout the process are monitored, and the outcomes of the intervention are evaluated.

The impact we aim to create

O Dem.Care.Abt pretende produzir mudanças que façam diferença na vida quotidiana.

For the person living with dementia – Promote quality of life and well-being; stimulate cognitive and motor abilities; support functioning and participation; provide opportunities for social interaction and positive experiences.

For the caregiver – Increase knowledge and skills; provide strategies for managing everyday situations; strengthen confidence in caregiving; and help reduce the burden associated with the caregiving role.

For the community – Strengthen the local response to dementia; bring organisations and resources closer together; increase knowledge about the condition; and contribute to a community that is better prepared to welcome and support people living with dementia and their families.

Project Information

Happiness
has no age!
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