“Além da Memória”

: projeto de intervenção comunitária com familiares de pessoas institucionalizadas com demência grave

Abstract

Population ageing is an unprecedented challenge, which is why dementias have been gaining prominence at national and international level. From a public health perspective, dementias are particularly complex due to their provision of health and social care, with prevalence and incidence increasing exponentially from the age of 65 (Garre-Olmo, 2018). Considering that dementia is a chronic disease, the impact of its diagnosis affects not only people, but also their families and the community in which they live, both due to the associated socio-economic burden and the emotional overload. It is therefore crucial to create care guidelines that take into account the needs of this binomial at the different stages of the disease, from early identification to situations that have already progressed and require specific care plans (Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, 2019). Based on the methodology of Health Planning and the theoretical framework of Henriqueta Figueiredo (2012), Dynamic Model of Family Assessment and Intervention, the ‘Beyond Memory’ project was developed, with the general aim of empower the family of institutionalised people with severe dementia. The construction of this project is in line with the strategies emanating from the National Health Plan, the National Programme for the Health of Older People and the National Mental Health Plan. It should be emphasised that this project is part of secondary prevention in that it aims to prevent and alleviate the family's suffering, involving early diagnosis and immediate intervention (Thompson-Heisterman in Stanhope & Lencaster, 2011). The participation of the selected group, as well as their adherence to and satisfaction with the sessions, was positive. The activities carried out played an important role in improving specific competences as a master, specialist nurse and nurse specialising in community health and public health.

Date of Award	10 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Resende (Supervisor)