New Manila, Quezon City, October 26, 2024 – Gunita para sa Dementia by Hi-Eisai, has launched the Gunita Memory Café, an initiative aimed at providing care, compassion, and social connection for individuals living with dementia and their families. The event, hosted at Bahay ni San Jose (BSJ), offers a welcoming space for dementia patients and their caregivers to engage in memory-stimulating activities and connect with others.

The memory café concept, which has long been established in countries like the UK, was first spearheaded in this region by the Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement, known for its advocacy in dementia care. Gunita para sa Dementia has adopted this model, building on Purple Angel’s vision to create a platform where participants can share stories, play memory games, and build a sense of community. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create spaces where people with dementia can feel seen, heard, and valued.

Bahay ni San Jose (BSJ) operates under the umbrella of the Institute for Dementia Care Asia (IDCA), an organization dedicated to advancing dementia care and education across the region. IDCA’s support has been pivotal in bringing this memory café to life, offering a venue where individuals can enjoy a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

The Gunita Memory Café marks Gunita para sa Dementia’s first venture into the memory café concept, with plans to expand this model to other communities. The goal is to provide a consistent space where families affected by dementia can find support, participate in enriching activities, and experience a renewed sense of joy.

The event emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in dementia care, with Gunita para sa Dementia, the Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement, and IDCA working together to foster a brighter, more inclusive future. As the memory café program continues, organizers aim to reach more communities, building a network of support for those living with dementia and their loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us for a Special Event!

We are excited to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of INDAK: Dance for the Brain – a decade of promoting Improving Neurocognition Through Dance and Kinesthetics!

Date: November 6, 2024

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Venue: UP SOLAIR Building, Diliman, Quezon City

Featuring a panel of experts including neurologists and dance therapists, this event will explore the incredible connection between movement and brain health.

Panel of Presenters:

Jacqueline Dominguez (Neurologist)

Jaypee Decena (Dance Therapist)

Alberto Dimarucut (UP Dance Professor)

Jeshya Ang Chio (Neurologist)

Justin Yu (Neurologist)

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how dance can enhance cognitive function, especially for those living with dementia. Let’s keep the momentum going for the next decade of Indak!

Stand by for registration mechanics. Send us a message to get listed!

#Indak #DanceForTheBrain #10thAnniversary #DementiaCare #Neurocognition #UPSOLAIR

 

EXCITING UPDATE: Dementia Care Certification Gets a New Name and Relaunches!

The International Federation for Dementia Care (IFDC) is proud to announce the official renaming and relaunch of the Dementia Care Expert (DCE) certification, now recognized globally as Dementia Carer Qualified (DCQ)!

After extensive discussions and evaluation by an international team of experts, the certification has been renamed to better align with global standards, bringing together dementia care qualifications under a unified banner.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

📝 DCQ Certification: The well-known certification has returned to its DCQ title, consistent with the original title used in Japan. Learn more here: 👉DCQ Certification: https://ninchisyoucare.com/english/cerifications.htm

🎓 New Oversight: Now under the Institute for Dementia Care Asia (IDCA), the DCQ certification sets a fresh standard for dementia care professionals across the region. Previously, it was managed by GIMS Philippines Inc.

🔄 Renewal for 2019 Graduates: If you passed the DCE examination in 2019, you are now eligible to renew your certification through the DCQ examination, staying current with the latest developments in dementia care.

🌍 Available for All: Whether you have a background in healthcare or not, the DCQ certification is open to everyone committed to improving dementia care practices and supporting individuals affected by dementia.

This rebranding and relaunch mark a new era for dementia care certification, enhancing its global prestige and ensuring uniformity in care standards. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your career and contribute to dementia care on a global scale.

Get DCQ Certified Today!

Successful Purple Angel October Walk for Dementia Awareness Held at SM Mall of Asia Seaside

October 5, 2024 – Manila, Philippines

In a powerful display of solidarity for dementia awareness, the Institute for Dementia Care Asia (IDCA) and Gunita Para sa Dementia by HI-Eisai hosted a successful Purple Angel October Walk for Dementia Awareness at SM Mall of Asia Seaside on October 5, 2024. The event, part of Elderly Filipino Week, brought together hundreds of participants in a collective effort to raise awareness and promote better care for individuals living with dementia.

Event Kickoff and Opening Remarks

The day started early, with participants arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 AM for registration and T-shirt distribution. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants prepared for the walk. Charline Dominguez, representing IDCA/BSJ, delivered the welcoming address, acknowledging the support of several key organizations that have played a crucial role in dementia care, including Superb 7 International Marketing Corp, Camillus Med Haven Nursing Home, Welcome Rotonda MP Cooperative, HI-Eisai executives, the Dementia Society of the Philippines, the Maganote Group, Purple Angel Rizal Chapter, and others.

Cyren Surban, representing Gunita Para sa Dementia by HI-Eisai, followed with a heartfelt message, sharing her personal experience with Purple Angel and highlighting the importance of community involvement in supporting dementia care initiatives.

Keynote Speech by Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, a neurologist and President of IDCA. Dr. Dominguez shared the inspiring origins of the Purple Angel movement, which began in the UK and has since grown into a global initiative. She emphasized the importance of Elderly Filipino Week and recognized the valuable contributions of older Filipinos to society. Dr. Dominguez also highlighted that dementia awareness walks like this one are taking place throughout Southeast Asia, fostering a broader regional and global impact.

Special Recognition of Dementia-Friendly Organizations

A notable moment during the event was the recognition of Welcome Rotonda MP Cooperative as a Dementia-Friendly Organization. The award was presented by Jiil Arsenal, Southeast Asia Head of Operations for Purple Angel, along with Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez and Cyren Surban. This honor celebrated the cooperative's efforts in creating an inclusive environment for people living with dementia and their carers.

Pre-Walk Warm-Up and Walk Highlights

Participants then engaged in a lively pre-walk warm-up session led by Jaypee Decena from the INDAK "Dance for the Brain" program. The energy was palpable as participants prepared for the walk, blending physical fitness with fun.

At 7:30 AM, the much-anticipated Purple Angel Walk officially began, with participants following a scenic route around SM MOA Seaside. Accompanied by the uplifting song "The Angels Will Listen" by Jennifer Bolton, the walk created a unifying and inspirational atmosphere, as participants moved together in solidarity for the dementia cause.

Post-Walk Activities and Networking

After the walk, participants gathered for light refreshments and continued the conversation about dementia awareness. Information booths remained open, providing resources and information about dementia care, while a membership drive encouraged more participants to join Purple Angel's mission.

The event concluded with a valuable networking session, allowing participants to engage with healthcare professionals, carers, and dementia advocates. This gathering fostered connections that could lead to future collaborations, further strengthening the community’s efforts to raise dementia awareness.

Memorable Moments and Future Collaborations

The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants expressing a deep sense of unity and purpose. Among the notable attendees were Ma'am Judy Nibut from Victory Church of Imus Cavite, Devine A. Segui from One All Care Marketing Services, and many others who showed interest in future partnerships.

The success of the Purple Angel October Walk not only raised awareness about dementia but also sparked conversations about future projects and collaborations. Participants left the event energized and committed to continuing their advocacy for dementia care, making a difference in the lives of those affected by the condition.

With Purple Angel's growing reach across 65 countries, this event at SM Mall of Asia Seaside marks another important milestone in its mission to raise global dementia awareness and provide much-needed support for those impacted by the disease.

Get ready to make history with us! The Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement has touched down in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is leading the charge with the inaugural Purple Angel Walk for Dementia Awareness!

This is more than just a walk—it’s a powerful show of solidarity, support, and hope for those living with dementia. Originating from Devon, UK, this global movement is now right here in our community, and we need YOU to make it a success!

Mark Your Calendars: September 21, 2024

We Start Early: 6:00 AM

Where: New Manila Area

Join forces with IDCA and Gunita para sa Dementia as we take strides towards a more dementia-aware and supportive society. Let’s come together, in purple, to raise our voices and walk for those who need our support.

This is your chance to be part of something BIG! Let’s fill the streets with positivity, purpose, and purple pride.

Don’t miss out—invite your friends, family, and colleagues. Let’s make this a day to remember!

Register here: https://forms.gle/bAgf8rnwDHqT3c8b6

#PurpleAngelWalkPH #DementiaAwareness #IDCA #GunitaParaSaDementia #MakeADifference #JoinTheMovement #WalkWithPurpose