It's World Alzheimer’s Day today and the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation is also celebrating its 5th anniversary today! But this courageous journey began 17 years ago with a simple yet brave housewife Lorraine Yu, supporting her husband start a campaign spreading awareness about this cause. Today she stands alone humbly before her achievement and an inspiration to everyone who meets her. Her decision to serve the community at an age where many wish to retire and enjoy life is truly outstanding. 

The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) is an approved charity registered with the Ministry of Social Services. LAF is the first non-statutory organization dedicated to advocating and addressing the needs of those diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia. Their main goal is to build awareness; serve, love and care for persons with dementia and support their families; provide relevant education; undertake research into causes and cures; and provide practical information to keep seniors happy, healthy and engaged. 

While we were there we witnessed a group of seniors having a fabulous time singing and dancing to the sounds of great oldies! It was a joy to see them laughing and enjoy themselves. Many who come to the foundation looks forward to that day of their week; where they are accepted for who they are and cared for by an amazing group of volunteers. 

It must also be mentioned that the foundation operates mainly with the help of a great group of volunteers. Mrs. Lorraine Yu herself is a volunteer! Which left us speechless. She manages, raises funds and attends to her clients without any payment in return. But she kept stressing that the joy she gets out of serving and helping those in need is priceless. 

Each senior also has their own caregiver, who does activities with them, sings and dances with them and eats with them. The foundation ensures that each client is given individual attention. All of these caregivers are also volunteers who have pledged a certain amount of time to the foundation. They too are an inspiration to others. The foundation also has an in house doctor who is also on voluntary basis to help with the seniors. When a client is brought in they have to first meet with the doctor. They also conduct a memory screening test bi annually and it is free for all. You have to call and register with them for this service that will determine whether you have dementia or not. 

Their service is open to all on a no-charge basis, regardless of ethnicity or religious background and is available in all 3 languages. “If you are concerned about your memory or that of a loved one, if you are a family carer of a person with dementia (PWD), if you are interested in receiving education and training, or if you are a health professional wishing to refer a PWD to our services, we invite you to talk to us.” They will guide you and help you. 

A special mention must also be made about the identification bracelet. The bracelet is hypo-allergenic, water and sweat resistant. The bracelet will be available to PWDs who are at risk of wandering and getting lost. This tough yet supple device has rounded edges to protect sensitive skin, and will be personalised with contact details of the family carer. This can be obtained at a cost of Rs. 500/-. 

Mrs. Lorraine Yu also highlighted about the stigma that is associated with dementia preventing many of the proper care they need. The foundation has also launched a programme at grass root levels to create awareness and a “Dementia friendly Community”. With a goal of 50 different locations the programme was launched this year. They have conducted the campaign at 40 places thus far. She stresses on the need of providing proper information to the local communities. It is our responsibility is to know and recognize the symptoms and provide proper care. 

The Foundation exists and operates on the generosity of the community of friends and associates – personal and corporate. It must be highlighted that they do not receive any international grants or funding. It operates solely on donations made by the local community. 

There are three ways in which you can help out. Make a donation, help fund raise or volunteer! You can support the work of the Foundation by making a donation or leaving a legacy to the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation. Standing Order instructions could be given to your bank to make your periodic donations or you can write a cheque in favour of Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation. The Annual Awareness Campaign is the main fund raiser for the year. A large number of raffle tickets are sold to the community. In addition, Concerts in aid of the Foundation, Letters of Appeal are periodically released and donations coming in, all add to the Foundation’s fund raising efforts. A shop called “Memories” where sales from the items sold will also enhance the fund. All the items on sale are also donations made by individuals or corporates. 

LAF relies extensively on the services of volunteers to provide support to persons with dementia (PWDs) and their families.  Initially volunteers are provided with a period of orientation and practical hands on experience. In addition, administrative support is required in advertising, promotion and media relations; fund raising and donor relations; writing and editing skills to enhance the website and media releases. 

The memory walk that happens annually will take place on the 24th of September at 8AM under the theme of ‘Fighting Dementia Together’ and will start from Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Everyone is welcomed to join in and help create awareness about the cause. 

If you need more information about the amazing work done by the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation you can visit their website www.alzlanka.org. Or you can contact them on 11 2667082/2667084 or through email on [email protected]. They are located at No.110, Ketawalamulla Lane, Colombo 10. 

Photographs by Kanishke Ganewatte