July 24: Pope Francis dedicates a day to grandparents and senior citizensEncounters between young and old. Connecting generationsPope Francis has repeatedly and forcefully denounced the throwaway culture that marginalizes the elderly. He warned that "a society that does not respect the elderly, that abandons them, has no future because it loses its memory". He also recalled the importance of grandparents, affirming that they "protect us with their wisdom".
Among the projects that stand out in Rome in favor of the elderly, is "Together in the care of the elderly", by the Alberto Sordi FoundationThe Campus Bio-Medico system entity in Rome.
A special service for seniors with Alzheimer's and related dementias is also currently being promoted. Dementia is an emotional and practical challenge that involves not only those who suffer from it, but also their families and surrounding communities.
Grazia Dalla Torre, administrative director of the Palliative Care "Insieme nella Cura", of the Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico and Business Development of the Alberto Sordi Foundation, spoke to Omnes about these initiatives and the care of the elderly today.
How does the Alberto Sordi Foundation and the Bio-Medical Campus work for the elderly?
- Within the Rome Bio-Medical Campus system, the Alberto Sordi Foundation promotes numerous initiatives for the elderly. Particularly popular among these are the Day Center for the frail elderly and the home social assistance service. A new day center dedicated to people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia will soon be opened.
A particularly interesting pilot project, involving some 20 social-health workers, is the stimulation service for people at risk of cognitive impairment, directly in their homes. The operators are coordinated by an educator and a psychologist, figures who interact specifically with the families of the people served.
How does the Alberto Sordi Foundation design its spaces for the elderly?
- The project we propose aims to develop an integrated and flexible network, capable of adapting to the needs of the territory. We want to offer the elderly the possibility of being in the most appropriate place of assistance for each stage of their lives.
In this regard, the Alberto Sordi Foundation's approach is based on several key principles. On the one hand, the centrality of the elderly person. On this principle we have designed this place considering the elderly person as a whole, not only as an individual with health needs, but as a person with a rich and diverse social life.
In addition, we maintain a synergistic and networked approach. Our intervention model is deeply integrated with the territory and other realities operating in the social welfare sector. We actively collaborate with local authorities, associations and, through the Campus System, with health services, to create a support network.
We promote social inclusion and active participation in the elderly. We want our guests, who are really "the owners of the house", to feel an integral part of the community with social, cultural and recreational activities that promote socialization and integration.
We also support families. We are aware of the crucial role that families play in the well-being of the elderly. We offer them support through training programs, counseling and psychological support, ensuring that they can actively participate in the care and treatment of their loved ones.
Finally, we strive for quality: We constantly strive to innovate by adopting the best care practices based on our collaboration with the Bio-Medico University Campus Nursing Degree course. The goal is to ensure a high level of quality care to improve the quality of life and safety of our seniors.
How do you proceed when people need more precise diagnosis and palliative care?
- With a network and continuity approach that includes the Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and the Palliative Care Center "Insieme nella Cura" of the University Polyclinic Foundation Campus Bio-Medico, of which I am personally in charge.
Are you looking for an integrated health and social care system?
- We are taking steps towards the creation of an integrated network, although not all the elements of the chain have yet been completed. We are working to build these links because we understand that without continuity in the care pathway, the unity of care response, so necessary for the elderly, is not fostered. We firmly believe in this vision, although there are objectives that have already been achieved and others that remain to be achieved.
How do the Alberto Sordi Foundation and the Policlinico Foundation harmonize?
- We share the common goal of improving the quality of life of the elderly through a "One Health" and multidisciplinary approach with a full range of care, from early diagnosis to ongoing support and palliative care, if needed.
Can we therefore speak of a pioneering project?
- Without a doubt we can say that this is a holistic approach, encompassing preventive care, early diagnosis, advanced treatment and continuing care, making it at the forefront of the elderly care sector.
Where is the Alberto Sordi Center?
-It is located inside the first structure of the Campus Bio-Medico built in 200 in Trigoria, about 20 kilometers from Rome, a building dedicated to the care of the elderly, designed according to the vision of Alberto Sordi. This area also houses the Palliative Care Center.
Welfare activities with religious values usually have an added value, why? And what is the characteristic of this apostolic work of Opus Dei, desired by Don Álvaro del Portillo?
- Surely they have a "special protection" that motivates them to a deep sense of mission and charity, derived from religious principles that promote compassion, love of neighbor and commitment to the common good. This motivation is transformed into a positive energy that guides workers in their daily work with dedication and passion.
At our Campus we offer not only material assistance, but also spiritual and emotional support to the people we serve who so desire. This aspect is fundamental to help people face their present moment, especially if it is difficult and full of suffering, with an existential interpretation and hope.
Thanks to Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, the Bio-Medical Campus tries to share the integrated approach between faith and daily work. Opus Dei promotes Christian commitment through the sanctification of ordinary work and active participation in society. This translates into attention to the dignity of the human person, respect for moral values and integrity in the service of others.
