Luís Montenegro opens a space for people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in Valpaços
It's a pioneering project in the country, inspired by a similar one in the Netherlands , with capacity for 58 patients. Designed for people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it will open next week in Sanfins, in the municipality of Valpaços.
The Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Relevance Center for Portugal looks like a nursing home, but it's actually a space housing several shops, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a hair salon, and even a restaurant. The space features a "snozelen" room and, outside, several animals, including horses, and a sensory garden, which will serve the users of this center, as well as the Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI) of the São Pedro Social Solidarity Association.
"It's a very bold project," admits Leonardo Batista, president of the institution, acknowledging that it's "a very important project for the municipality and beyond." According to him, "it will serve those most in need, especially those with diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which are increasingly common today."
The goal "is to make these people as independent as possible and continue doing what they do in their daily lives without leaving this space," explains Leonardo Batista, revealing that family members will be able to "visit the restaurant when they come to visit our patients."
The inauguration of the center, which cost around three million euros and created around 50 jobs, is scheduled for Thursday afternoon and will be attended by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
At a time when information is more important than ever, support regional and local journalism. Access to most VTM news is (still) free, but it's not free; journalism costs money and requires investment. This contribution is a way to directly support A Voz de Trás-os-Montes and its journalists. Our counterpart is independent and local journalism, but not only that. It means continuing to inform despite all contingencies; we never stop for a single day.
avozdetrasosmontes
