Early dementia: they live independently in Geneva

ThoseGeneva pilot experience –Despite early dementia, they live independently in Bernex

The Hemma house unloads loved ones so that they can take care of them, maintain and even renew emotional ties, often undermined in such life courses.

Posted today at 06:34

“Here, we make our bed, we cook, we take out the trash cans and we do it laughing, being accompanied,” says one of the six inhabitants of the Hemma house, who all suffer from “fragrances of memory”, as explained with delicacy Mikaëla Halvarsson, director of the place.

After ten years of reflection Around a promising project, this spacious and comfortable double villa, with a large garden, was inaugurated in September 2023 in Bernex. It currently welcomes three women and as many men, aged between 55 and 60, who often have children still at their expense and a family life. “Alzheimer’s disease is rather associated with the great age,” notes the director. However, nearly 8,000 people have early dementia in Switzerland, including around 400 in Geneva. ”

Inspired by what is practiced in Sweden, this innovative support structure – which is not therapeutic* – aims to be a real home. You have to feel at home (“Hemma” in Swedish). A first Swiss that puts agility at the heart of its action: “At home Hemma, no one is wrong, everything is normal without the slightest prejudice.”

Spouses and children can thus continue their professional and school activity “without concern” as to the support of their loved one; They can, moreover, go there, at any time, and even go there at night. “This place really aims to unload them so that they can take care of their own existence, maintain and even renew emotional ties, often undermined in such life courses,” underlines Mikaëla Halvarsson. For her, and her collaborators, the needs of families are just as important to prevent a deterioration in their health and their social situation.

Links between HEMMA and EMS DES CHARMETTES

Monitoring is provided by a versatile team specially trained to support people with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders. Supporters give a helping hand for certain daily tasks; They help organize common activities, outside procedures or outings.

They are seconded by nurses at home, says Xavier, one of the referents of the premises: “They train us, make us aware of drugs and blood sugar tests, in particular. They intervene on the health issues of the inhabitants if necessary. ”

And then, reassuring for everyone, the collaboration with EMS Les Charmettes – also directed by Mikaëla Halvarsson, in the immediate vicinity of the HEMMA – allows you to take advantage of the sharp skills in terms of memory disorders of this establishment which greatly favors the freedom of movement of residents.

The DNA of the Hemma house where autonomy, with the maintenance of landmarks, predominates. Even if you have to live to the rhythm of your hosts, without stress and with hourly flexibility. “If a person wants to have a group lunch, ok, if they prefer to stay in bed, ok too. Let us not forget that these inhabitants did not choose. It is a kind of roommate with all its challenges, ”notes Roger Gaberell, co -founder of this structure.

It is therefore important that the staff adopts the right posture without excessive planning, while remaining in an adequate framework: “young people often stand out too formatted from the school, but adaptability is the key to successful support. Our hosts are real sponges, they must be supported with a lot of phlegm. In eighteen months of activity, we have already identified things that could be improved. ”

Close caregivers

This unprecedented pilot project, for the moment supported by private people, is in the exploration phase with the objective of exploiting all its potential and improving its performance. With constantly renewed circumstances, the work has been demanding for staff since the opening of the structure: partly trained as socio -educational assistants with charms and on average fairly young, employees must be able to bring a fine observation, to adapt to the evolutions of the disease and to know how to respond to the emotional needs of the inhabitants and their loved ones, with empathy and respect.

In the context of the Hemma house, they have a more related profile in a professional caregiver in many ways than that of a qualified worker. Zac seems to be carrying these clothes perfectly. Even if the task is sometimes complicated. “I have three brothers and I now realize what my mother could endure!” Being a parent is a real charge that should be paid, adds Xavier: “Here, I am employed to be at home …”

A sort of family SMEs with humans in the center, whatever accompanied or accompanied, observes Mikaëla Halvarsson. Authenticity as a single engine! “The inhabitants bring you back to the essentials, relations where you cannot cheat,” says Roger Gaberell.

“You feel comfortable, illustrates Noah. And useful! We immediately give you responsibilities. ” This young civilist also appreciates the absence of routine: “All the days are different. And we are even led to be quiet next to the inhabitants in calm times. Here we learn patience and to communicate better. ” Noah adds that sincerity is such that you have to forget any susceptibility: “They get you out of truths that are not always pleasant to hear. But I grow up with them; This experience will serve me all my life. ”

Among them, Christian, 60, loves Italian music, after being passionate about running. When will the time come to join the charms? “As long as he can remain in this positive environment, he will stay there,” replied the director. He is so happy to live here that he thanks us every night. ”

Christie, a real bunter, also appreciates it. Very enthusiastic, she is always ready to dance and sing. Like the Remoante Geneviève, an absolute fan of French song nicknamed “Jukebox”: “Everyone is welcome at HEMMA house provided they are benevolent.”

A good end word, perfectly representative of this pioneering model. “The first assessment is exciting,” concludes Mikaëla Halvarsson. It remains to establish financial planning to allow the sustainability of the HEMMA house and the development of other structures of this type to meet a major issue of our society. ”

* Living at the HEMMA house returns to about half of the cost of a place in EMS, fixed itself between 200 and 300 francs per day, depending on the establishments

Laurence Bézaguet has been working at the Geneva gallery since 1995. started her career at the mail before collaborating six years on the late Daily Fire Switzerland. Was also an independent journalist for eighteen months in Canada and wrote a book on the Rade crossing, published in 1996, with former State Councilor David Hiler. More info

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