'Blue House' Brings Hope to Alzheimer's Patients

Patients at the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Alzheimer Patients and Patient Relatives Meeting Center (Blue House) receive both professional care and social activities. The center, where many social activities are carried out, from mind games to wood painting and from music concerts to vegetable growing, supports both patients and their relatives.

The Alzheimer Patient and Patient Relatives Meeting Center “Mavi Ev”, which provides services for Alzheimer and dementia patients and their relatives by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, continues to support patients and their relatives. While patients receive professional care and support their treatment processes at the center, which represents the social responsibility understanding of the Metropolitan Municipality, patient relatives also have the opportunity to breathe. Thanks to the programs implemented, patients become physically stronger and mentally relaxed. Both patients and patient relatives express their satisfaction with the center, where many social activities are carried out, from mind games to wood painting and from gardening to music concerts.

THEY GROW VEGETABLES IN THE BLUE HOUSE GREENHOUSE

As part of the rehabilitation process, patients had planted seedlings of cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, dill and parsley in the Blue House greenhouse, which was reopened in recent months. Again as part of the rehabilitation process, patients harvested the products that were beginning to ripen. Patients who experienced the pleasure and peace of working with soil and plants also had the opportunity to taste the products of their own labor.

SERVICE IS PROVIDED FIVE DAYS A WEEK

Gerontologist Merve Kıldır, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Alzheimer Patient and Patient Relatives Meeting Center Manager, said that they provide free services to patients and their relatives at the center. Kıldır said, “We are with our patients five days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for stage 1 patients, and Tuesdays and Thursdays for stage 2 patients. We provide support to our patients in the areas of psychosocial support, physical therapy, rehabilitation and occupational therapy. We provide gerontological consultancy services to our patients’ relatives regarding the course of the disease and care processes.”

IT HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON MY MOTHER'S SOCIAL LIFE

Patient relative Beril Onat stated that her mother came to the Alzheimer's center three days a week,

“During the illness of my mother, I did research in many places. However, I could not find many options. The fact that the Metropolitan Municipality provided such a service was a savior for us. Since we work, we cannot be at home all the time, which negatively affects their social life and therefore their illness. Since my mother came here, her illness and life comfort have improved a lot, she feels good and has become more self-confident. I would like to thank the Metropolitan Municipality for this service,” he said.