Holiday camp gives dementia carers a break in Interlaken

An unusual holiday camp in Interlaken, organised by Alzheimer organisations, is giving relatives of people with dementia time away from their daily responsibilities, SRF reported. The camp also offers participants insights and encouragement for everyday life at home.

Eleven couples stayed at a hotel in Interlaken in the canton of Bern. One partner in each couple has dementia, while the other provides care. The programme included exercise sessions, boat trips on Lake Brienz, a visit to a sculptor, shared meals and dance evenings.

Among the participants were Jeannine and Hansruedi. Hansruedi, 85, has dementia and is cared for by his wife every day. Although his illness is not immediately apparent, he forgets what he is supposed to do during exercise sessions, repeats questions and sometimes struggles to coordinate his movements.

A gradual farewell

Jeannine, who is 13 years younger than her husband, said the hardest part of his illness was saying goodbye to him gradually. Hansruedi once ran his own company, played football and took part in marathons. Now he cannot take a step without her help.

“He no longer plays tennis, skis or rides a bicycle,” she said.

Jeannine said she was often impatient with her husband. She therefore decided to accept help and attend the camp. Gina Kunst, a nursing specialist who led the camp, said dementia could be very demanding for relatives. Some people have difficulty finding words, others struggle to follow sequences of actions, while others become disoriented.

Everyday life at home is usually demanding, Kunst said.

Learning to accept help

The camp gave the carers relief. “I don’t have to shop, clean or do the laundry. They take care of Hansruedi,” Jeannine said. “Letting him go is a learning process.”

Each couple was accompanied by a volunteer carer who could take over responsibility for the partner with dementia, allowing the other partner to spend time alone. Hansruedi went with a group to watch paragliders while Jeannine had time to herself.

“I lay down on the bed and relaxed,” she said. “But later I was also happy when my husband came back.”

Hansruedi is unlikely to remember the holiday camp clearly once he is back home. But during the break in the Bernese Oberland, Jeannine realised that she needs more help at home. She wants to continue living with her husband for as long as possible.