Persons suffering with different forms of dementia now have a designated space to enjoy in the National Botanical Gardens.
This follows the launch of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association’s Memorial Space in the National Botanical Gardens, at Waterford, St. Michael, recently.
And, Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde, said the National Botanical Gardens would also have a designated space for children, the disabled and the elderly.
“When you add the oasis of the [National] Botanical Gardens, this space, 254 acres of pristine landscape, … it speaks to the thrust of Government. It treats to how you treat to those in the dawn of their lives, the children, and there will be a space for them. It speaks to those who will be affected by disabilities, [and] the elderly population. Those in the twilight of their years must have the twilight moments, and you can only do that if you have the geographical space like the Botanical Gardens,” Mr. Forde pointed out.
He reminded those present that ailments such as Alzheimer’s can start as young as the 30s, and stressed that having an open space, such as the National Botanical Gardens, brought some balance to those affected.
Making reference to his experience with his mother, Mr. Forde said he understood what it meant to have to look for a loved one and listening for a phone call preparing for the best or the worst.
He also called for an end to what he referred to as “granny dumping” at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, stressing that “it is not who we are as Barbadians or as a people”.
“Love the elderly…. Have that space in the ventricles of your heart for those in their twilight years. Give them these twilight moments,” he urged.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, speaking at the launch, disclosed that for the first time, Government had contributed funds in the current financial year towards the work being done by the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association.
He added that everyone needed to be involved in the fight against elder abuse. “This cannot be the work of the Government alone. That makes no sense and it will not work. Most of the issues by the time they reach the Government are already pass gone. People ask what is the Government doing, but I ask what are you doing? We all have to play a part,” he stated.
Meanwhile, President of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, Pamelia Brereton, said they were grateful to be included in the National Policy on the Ageing, and look forward to working with the Ministry to bring about a change in the lives of people with dementia.
She added that younger persons were now being affected by the disease, with recent reports showing that someone as young as 19 years was affected. “It is a disease that affects anyone, at any time and from all backgrounds. It is hereditary,” she said.
The Forget Me Not is among plants in the garden, and they symbolise true love and respect, and is a promise never to forget the person.