New Specialised Dementia Day Unit is "bold and necessary step," says Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Government presided over the opening of the new Specialised Dementia Day Unit, this Monday, at the Casa de Saúde do Espírito Santo (mental institution) in Angra do Heroísmo.

For Artur Lima, this is a "bold and necessary step that will greatly benefit" the social work carried out by the Institute of the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Angra do Heroísmo and throughout the island of Terceira.

"As long as we do not invest in prevention, we will not be able to fight disease," said the Vice-President of the Government.

"Preventing is always more effective than treating. For this reason, this centre is so important," he said.

The Casa de Saúde do Espírito Santo in Angra do Heroísmo has provided women with psychiatric and mental health care since 1967. The new unit is an asset for all users who need specialised care due to neurodegenerative diseases.

It is also a unit that plays a crucial role for families, friends, caregivers and other people who accompany patients daily and seek professional support when situations become more complex.

"Nothing replaces families' affection for parents, the humanism or the support they can get when being in an institution," emphasised Artur Lima.

"The time has come to establish effective partnerships between the State, Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and families. Without families' involvement, we would not be here," he continued.

In this regard, the Vice-President recalled the "New Elderly" programme. This pioneering project is designed to be a partner for institutions, allowing "people to grow old at home in their environment, with their belongings, in their parishes, and with their favourite things and affections."

From this programme, it is possible to "establish partnerships with centres like this one, so that people can receive support at home," he said.

"When the signs of dementia are detected early, the sooner we can take action. Prevention, prevention, prevention. This is the most important thing we can do in the health or any area for that matter," emphasised the Vice-President.

In developing its action from a preventive perspective, the new Specialised Dementia Day Unit "is fundamental in this area," concluded Artur Lima.

The Autonomous Region of the Azores has cooperation agreements with the Institute of the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of mental health and psychiatric patients.