Hope Ek A.S.H.A. caring Alzheimers disease patients & their | Milaap
Hope Ek A.S.H.A. caring Alzheimers disease patients & their caregivers
  • Harish

    Created by

    Harish Chawla
  • HE

    This fundraiser will benefit

    Hope Ek Asha

    from Delhi

Tax benefits for INR donations will be issued by Hope Ek Asha


“Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers” (A.S.H.A.)

Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers disease patients in stage 1 and 2 is the need of the hour. Patients can be picked up from their home and dropped back in the evening before the sun set. The centre will have  structured activity programme, needs to be followed where the patients are involved in brain stimulating activities and group entertainments in order to keep them safe and active.

Proper counselling for the caregivers by the clinical psychologists will be conducted. This Day Care Centre will be a place for support and respite to the caregiver.
This day care center will be serviced by Involving Healthy Senior Citizens living in the vicinity under the name A.S.H.A. - Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimer's.

This will be the first of its kind in NCR of Delhi where Senior citizen suffering from Alzheimer Diseases will have the involvement of normal healthy Senior Citizens, thus will improve quality of life of them

For this one Mobile Van will be required to picked up from their home and dropped back home. This will also be used for Mass Awareness of Alzheimer disease and Home Care for patients who can can not reach to us.

Complete details for “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers” (A.S.H.A.) is given below.

1.0   Abstract / Overview of “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimer” (A.S.H.A.)

The most important asset for a human being is health. Healthy bodies have healthy minds and healthy minds build healthy nations. If a person starts having memory loss it interferes in his daily living i.e. his daily living starts becoming abnormal. He looks to be a normal person but needs to be investigated and treated.
If the person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, his brain functions start declining slowly and over the years he looses his own existence which interferes with his daily routine life. At this point of time he needs personal attention/care.
The person who cares for him / her may be from family or relative or an employee and is called the “Caregivers”. A time comes when the caregiver needs a respite as he is totally stressed physically, emotionally and financially because the person suffering from Alzheimer is confined to the four walls of the house as there is always a fear of getting lost.

Facilities to provide quality care to such elderly persons are almost non-existent in Delhi.
 
1.1 - Objectives of “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”
 
To provide quality care to the aged who loose their identity, once they suffer from this dreaded Alzheimer’s disease - AD (Memory Loss), regardless of race, sex, color and creed.
To provide them support services in a group setting to help participants to rehabilitate.
To involve healthy elderly in all such activities of the support services while in a group, to keep them busy in their daily life and
Finally to make them feel that THEY HAVE GIVEN ENOUGH TO US AND IT OUR TURN NOW.
Thus the focus will be on all elderly with or without suffering from the AD. 
“Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” (HEA) the applicant of this project has taken the above conditions into consideration with the following mission / vision.

1.2 - Mission
We (HEA) are committed to provide quality care to the elderly through our dedicated team of volunteers and employees in a home like environment at “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimer”

1.3 - Vision
This Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers will be one of the first of its kind in the capital of India at Delhi to cater NCR residents where various welfare programs for the benefit of the elderly will be provided as may be deemed necessary.
The elderly with impaired memory and physical disability at this ‘Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimer’ will be provided world class facilities with ultra-advanced and state-of-the-art treatment by the highly trained medical and para-medical professionals along with psychologists, social workers, nursing staff and occupational rehabilitators.
The aim of the proposed model of ‘Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers’ will be to slow down the process of brain degeneration and give them a life of dignity. 

2.0 - Introduction about “Alzheimer’s Disease”
 
2.1 - What is ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia (Memory Loss). Dementia is a collective name for progressive degenerative brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.
Dementia is a disease where the individual suffers from progressively deteriorating intellectual functions. It is most commonly seen in the elderly and usually begins with the loss of short - term memory. Other manifestations include confusion, irritability and personality disturbance and ultimately loss of existence.

2.2 - Present / Future Statistics on ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’
Dementia primarily affects older people. Up to the age of 65, it develops only in about 1:20. The chance of having the condition rises sharply with the increase in age, i. e. 1 in 200 over the age of 65 and even 1 in 5 over the age of 80.
The world’s population is ageing. Currently there are an estimated 18 million people worldwide with dementia. Two thirds of these live in developing countries. This figure will nearly double to 34 million people by 2025. Much of this increase will be in rapidly developing and heavily populated regions such as India, China and Latin America.

2.3 - Warning Signs of ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’ 
  • Recent Memory Loss that affects job skills.
  • Poor or decreased judgment.
  • Difficulty in performing routine tasks.
  • Change in mood or behaviour.
  • Difficulty in finding the right words or understanding.
  • Misplacing things.
  • Disorientation of time and place.
  • Personality and mood changes.
  • Problems with abstract thinking.
  • Loss of initiative.
2.4 - Three Stages of ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’
There are three stages of Alzheimer’s Disease:
1 - Early Stage (First Stage)
  • Lose or recent memory.
  • Disorientation in time and place.
  • Signs of depression and aggression.
  • Difficulties with language.
  • Gets lost in familiar places.
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
2 – Middle Stage (Second Stage)
  • Become very forgetful.
  • Increased difficulty in coping with the day-to-day activities.
  • Become extremely dependent.
  • Needs assistance with personal hygiene.
  • Wander and sometimes gets lost.
  • Unprovoked aggression.
3 – Advanced Stage (Third Stage)
  • Totally dependent and inactive.
  • Do not recognize relatives, friends and familiar objects.
  • Unable to find out his or her way around in the home.
  • Suffer bladder and bowel incontinence.
  • Confined to a bed.
Alzheimer’s disease represents an important problem for our societies, both in social and economical dimensions. 
 
3.0 - Introduction about the organization “Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” (HEA)
 
3.1 - History of “Hope Ek A.S.H.A.”
“Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” was founded on 28.12.2000 on the first death anniversary of beloved mother of founder of HEA Dr. Sushma Chawla, who unfortunately suffered from Alzheimer’s disease when all her siblings were stationed abroad and she was all alone caring for her. After her mother passed away peacefully she visited similar patients / caregivers and formed this support group much needed to give medical and moral support to the needy.
 
3.2 - “Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” – A Society
“Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” (HEA) - a charitable society, registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in the year 2001, dedicated to the care of the Alzheimer / Dementia patients (memory Loss) and their caregivers through its dedicated team of medical professionals, volunteers and has entered its ninth year of service to the humanity.
 
3.3 - Activities of “Hope Ek A.S.H.A.”
HEA through its volunteers reaches to the service of AD patients and their stressed near and dear ones (Caregivers) for their relief and necessary guidance, help to reduce their stress. Our Society provides free medical aid, counseling, personal care to the AD patients and creates awareness about the disease while holding hands of the stressed caregivers thereby forming an extended family to relieve them from stress. 
It is also running a free Alzheimer / Memory Clinic  in Greater Kailash – II, New Delhi for treatment of first , second stage of patients and have visited more than 300 families having AD patients and have help all of them including there caregivers.

‘HEA’ has Four Main Activities:

3.3.1 - Mass Awareness Programmes 
Under this programme we create awareness about the disease among the masses through lectures; caregivers meet at different platform like corporate, schools, Resident welfare associations, colleges, among working / non working women at different locations.

3.3.2 - Home Care 
This is an on patient training to the family caregiver; we educate the primary family caregiver and ask them not to hesitate to share the responsibility of care giving which is of utmost importance.
Normally at the initial stage the caregiver is a family member. It could be a spouse or adult children.
Thereafter a professional carer and nurse are arranged from a reputed agency. They are given hands on training in handling the elderly patient as per the needs of the home carer, who coordinate the care plan for their beloved ones.
We also send our volunteers to help such families under such condition as and when required by them.
In many cases we make efforts to persuade “Healthy Senior Citizens” staying in “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers” by involving Healthy Elders” to visit these families having such sufferings to give respite to the caregiver. This also creates an environment of friendship with the patient.
 
 
3.3.3 - Opening ‘Memory Enhancement Centers / Clinic’ at various locations. 
HEA is presently running a free Alzheimer’s (Memory) clinic on every Sunday at Greater Kailash Enclave – II, New Delhi – 110048 and more are in the pipeline.
 
3.3.4 - Establishing an “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers for Alzheimer’s Elderly” by involving Healthy Elders 
A brief about Objectives, mission, and vision of ‘Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers’ have already been explained in the beginning of this write-up.
HEA Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers will target elderly in first and second stage of Alzheimer’s disease where as all healthy elderly will be encouraged to participate in the daily activities designed as per need and capabilities keeping in mind their limitations. 
 
3.4 – ‘HEA’ Achievements 
With in span of 8 years, ‘HEA’ support group has helped more than 300 families suffering from this disease.
At HEA we are successful to a great extent in the task we have taken in hand and still more to be done.
The need of the hour is to have an “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers for Alzheimer’s Elderly by involving Healthy Elders” where they can be looked after with compassion and love.

4.0 - About the founder of ‘HEA’
Dr. Sushma Chawla, born in 1951, had her basic degree in Medicine from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi in the year 1973. Post degrees from U.K. and U.S.A. Since 1978 in family practice, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Running her own clinic at her residence Greater Kailash – II, New Delhi. She is also on panel and visiting doctors to various corporate. She is the “Chief Medical Officer” of few financial Institutions like IDBI, IFCI, UTI. Life Member for Delhi Medical Association, Indian Medical Association, Indian Menopause Society, Delhi Diabetic Forum. She is also the founder of the support group “Hope Ek A.S.H.A.” caring for the care of the Alzheimer / Dementia patients (Memory Loss) and their caregivers since 2001.
 
4.1 - What prompted the Founder’?
The applicant cared for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for more than five years. She became stressful day by day, month-by-month and year-by-year. This stress of caring did take its toll on her health and after her mother passed away peacefully she has come forward with a support group with an aim to be with the stressed caregivers where she helps, assists and  takes care of the patient with Alzheimer’s Disease along with her dedicated team.

4.2 - Other activities of the ‘Founder’
In addition to her own practice, on the social desk she is organizing regular health checkup camps for mass vaccinations, Gynae checkup, Cardiac Check up and arranges health education programmes on community health especially on Stress management and caregiver meets.
She is also running a free Alzheimer’s (Memory Enhancement Clinic) on every Sunday at her clinic at Greater Kailash Enclave – II, New Delhi – 110048.

5.0 - Three Primary Objectives of “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”
Primary Objectives:
“Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”(A.S.H.A.) will have focus on three primary objectives:
 
1 - Provide caring environment for persons with physical and cognitive impairments.
2 - Involving healthy elderly in daily planned activities.
3 – Provide necessary respite to the caregivers. 
The purpose of the kind of this home will be to provide

A - Dignity of Life through adequate personal care.
B - Quality of Life through meaningful interaction.
C - A Safe Environment with supervision.
And thus to give respite to the family caregiver from daily burden of care giving.

This prevents
A - Neglect or being at risk when elders are left alone at home.
B - Unnecessary placement of nears and dears in nursing homes / hospitals.
 
5.1 - Daily Activities of Participants at “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”  
Elderly suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease depending upon their needs will have specialized day care services with all medical and social activities.
This will give a purpose to the life of the inmates while taking part in specialized day care planned activities.
 
Activities for first and second stage of Alzheimer’s disease patients will be planned by watching the performance of each one of them and by optimizing most of their preserved abilities.
Activities shall be designed to promote personal growth and enhance the self image of the person and / or to improve or maintain the functional capability of participants.
Separate activities will be planned for healthy elderly by taking into consideration their profession, intellect and physique.
The activity plan shall be an integral part of the total plan of care for the individuals, based on their interest, need and abilities of the participants. It may be social, intellectual, cultural, economic, emotional, physical or spiritual.
Participants shall be encouraged to take part in activities with full freedom to choose one or any another activities.
Participants shall be allowed time for rest and relaxation and to attend to personal and health care needs within the vicinity “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”.
Family caregivers will be fully supported, by giving them advices so as to prepare them to face unwanted situations without any difficulty presented by their beloveds.
Regular caregiver meets will be arranged to share the experiences.
So to say that the ultimate goal of such interventions / activities is:-
1 - To facilitate the patient's autonomy in activities of daily living.
2 - Maximize the functional level of the elderly and encourage independence to the greatest degree possible.
3 - Build on the participants’ strengths, while recognizing their limitations and impairments.
4 - Establish for the participant a sense of control and self-determination, regardless of his / her level of functioning.
5 - Assist in maintaining the physical and emotional health of the participant.
6 - Provide respite to caregivers providing care that helps elders remain in their homes and communities.

5.2 - Special Activities of Daily Living
These services are needed when an individual has some form of impairment, physical or functional which means a person has difficulty in caring him / herself i.e. he / she does not know that how to do certain essential tasks i.e. activities of daily living. The examples are Toileting, Dressing, Food Preparation, Eating, Taking Medication and General Cleaning etc.
Assisted or Assistance in supervision of activities of daily living shall be provided in a safe and hygienic manner that recognizes an individual’s dignity and right to privacy.
Assistance with these activities will be provided by staff or trained volunteers.
 
5.3 - ‘Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”(A.S.H.A.) e’ Routine Facilities - Proposed
This refers to and assists with the co-ordination of health services as and when required.
 
Over a period of time we will train the caregivers (Healthy Elderly / Professionals) on emergency procedures.
Medication – Staff will be able to administer their regular medication at specified time by keeping in view prescription of attending Physician & Neurologist.
 
5.4 – Regular “In House Medical Facilities” at “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”
 
  • Regular OPD.
  • Regular healths check up.
  • Blood Sugar Monitoring.
  • Dental check up.
  • Podiatrist and hair care.
  • Annual immunization where required.
  • Maintenance of optimal nutritional status.
  • Management of incontinence problem.
  • Keep ambulatory as long as possible with protection from physical injuries.
5.5 - Benefits of “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers”
  • Help people seek early diagnosis of this fatal disease.
  • Eradicate social stigma attached to the illness.
  • Involve healthy willing elderly in such activities.
  • Make elders more respectable and acceptable in the society.
  • Help them to lead a quality and dignified old age life.

5.6 - Training to Family / Healthy Elderly / Professional Carer 
Online training to the family caregivers, healthy elderly who wants to be volunteers and other professionals who need employment will be given.
 
5.7 - Employment Opportunities
“Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers” will provide employment opportunities to:
Professionals (Doctors, Administrators)
The needy healthy elderly
Professional caregivers
Young aspirants.
 
5.8 - Layout of “Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimers” - Proposed
It will be built in a vast area of 2000 Sq. Mtr. having enough space for the ‘Old Age elderly patients’ to wander around without any inhibition under safe environment in addition to the following:
  • Reception
  • Waiting Hall
  • Office
  • Doctor Rooms
  • Emergency Room
  • Patients Room
  • Recreation Room
  • Counseling Room
  • Nursing Room
  • Relaxing / Feeding Room
  • Laboratory
  • Meditation Centre
  • Dining & Kitchen
  • Food & Dietary Services
  • Auditorium
  • Sufficient Bathrooms & Toilets
  • Laundry
  • Shower





Read More

Know someone in need of funds? Refer to us
support