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Description
Dementia and depression have a complex relationship, threatening the health of older people. Defending the rights of the elderly with dementia and depression will ensure their good health and quality of life. The project will be implemented through actions to inform and develop the skills of public officials in the Regional Units of Fthiotida and Evia of Central Greece, in combination with advocacy actions to inform and empower family caregivers. The target groups and those directly benefiting from the project''s main activities are: 40 civil servants in civil protection bodies, representatives of the justice system, social institutions and the church, 80 family caregivers for the elderly with dementia and depression, 20 policy makers, 80 representatives of civil society organizations in Greece and Europe and 10 media representatives, with multiple benefits.
The project will be carried out by the Hellenic Society of Alzheimer''s Disease and Related Disorders of Chalkida and the Greek Carers Network EPIONI. The informative actions will be carried out with the methodology of participatory training by Alzheimer Chalkida, through lectures, case studies and working groups for authentic interaction amongst the target groups. Collaborative tools will be developed to defend the rights and respect the special needs of the vulnerable groups. The approach is based on the United Nations’ principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment and legitimacy. The advocacy actions will be carried out by EPIONI through a presentation of the short edition of the European Directive on Unofficial Caregivers, in the context of the work-life balance. Upon completion, agency representatives will be able to promote the process of integrating the vulnerable groups into society and caregivers will understand the issues of exercising their rights. An event will be held in Athens to spread good practices with the participation of policy makers, civil society and the media.
Summary of project results
The project sought to address:
- The stigma and barriers faced by people with dementia and depression in old age, particularly in accessing mental health services.
- Social exclusion and limited participation of elderly individuals, especially those in villages and remote areas.
- The need for improved awareness among family caregivers about their rights, particularly regarding the New Labour Law 4808/2021.
- The lack of authentic social contact between vulnerable individuals and mental health professionals.
The project implemented several activities:
- Conducted awareness-raising initiatives to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
- Informed family caregivers about their rights under new legislation.
- Organized training seminars and working groups for 79 public officials in frontline services (health, security, civil protection).
- Facilitated direct interactions between people with dementia or depression and specialized mental health professionals.
- Disseminated good practices and educational materials to address challenges in daily life for affected individuals and caregivers.
- Produced and distributed audiovisual, printed, and digital materials, including brochures and posters, to promote understanding and support.
The materials are available online and were distributed regionally and nationally to mental health agencies and caregiver networks.
Outcomes and impacts:
- Improved understanding and reduced stigma: Authentic social contact between target groups helped foster a deeper understanding and reduction of stereotypes.
- Increased awareness and knowledge: Family caregivers gained knowledge of their rights, and public officials were trained to better address the needs of elderly individuals with dementia and depression.
- Better communication and care: Direct communication between vulnerable individuals and mental health professionals was enhanced.
- Wider dissemination of practices and materials: Educational and awareness materials were distributed widely, increasing their accessibility and reach.
Beneficiaries:
- Primary beneficiaries:
- 297 elderly individuals with dementia and depression, along with their family caregivers.
- Public officials working in frontline services, including health, security, and civil protection personnel.
- Secondary beneficiaries:
- Educational and cultural institutions, local and national policymakers, and mental health organizations benefited from shared knowledge and practices.