New resource book launched

Mental healthcare professionals and family members who care for people with dementia received some great news today. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), with the support of Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) and funding from the European Union unveiled a new resource book for dementia care in Sri Lanka at a news conference in Angoda.

Understanding Dementia: A resource Book for Dementia Care – the first book of its kind in Sri Lanka – is designed to provide practical knowledge, tools and expertise to all healthcare workers and family members who care for people with dementia.

“Caring for someone with dementia is very difficult and requires a great deal of support and expertise,” said Dr Ravindra Ruberu, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and guest speaker at the launch. “The new resource book, Understanding Dementia, expertly covers all aspects of caring for a patient with dementia – from the practical to the medical. I encourage all healthcare professionals to use this guide to help them care for their patients.”

As 20 percent of Sri Lanka’s population will be over 65 years of age by the end of 2020, health experts agree that mental health issues like dementia will be on the rise in the years to come. This guide will help to ensue that Sri Lanka’s mental health workers and family members are prepared.

The resource book is also the first published work of its kind by the NIMH.

For more information about Understanding Dementia: A resource Book for Dementia

Care or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Shaun Humphries
VSO volunteer,
NIMH media unit
[email protected]
www.nimh.lk