The helpline for dementia sufferers and their loved ones will soon become available 24/7 as part of the government’s nine-year dementia strategy plan.
The service will be extended so that anyone who needed help or advice could reach out through the helpline anytime, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Justyne Caruana.

The extension of the helpline service is one element of the government’s implementation of the national strategy, which aims to remove the stigma of the mental health disease from dementia sufferers.

Dr Caruana explained that knowledge of the condition was one of the pillars of the strategy.

The campaign, called #endzheimer, also includes a website www.dementia.gov.mt where people can actually contact a professional for any inquiries or questions they might have.

There will also be an extensive media campaign with local personalities to raise awareness. The first personality who started the promotion was Miss World Malta Katrina Pavia, who will be taking part in Miss World in Melbourne, Australia later this year.

A number of training sessions were given to healthcare professionals and Dr Caruana said these were also going to be offered to informal carers.
The first call was made for the Dementia Intervention Team, which will offer assistance in the community. It is expected that there will be a total of four teams in the island.