H.M. Drottningens tal vid besök på Józefina Care Home
Warszawa, Polen
(Det talade ordet gäller)
Ambassador,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, thank you for the opportunity to visit the Jozefina Care Home. It has been a pleasure to talk to your dedicated staff and to meet some of your residents.
Over the past 20 years I have been working to raise awareness about the need for better care for our elderly and those suffering from dementia.
During that same period of time, life expectancy has increased globally, as well as the proportion of elderly citizens. The number of people affected by dementia and other age-related conditions is rising at a fast pace.
Medical professionals, caregivers and politicians are all aware of the challenges that come with an ageing population. That being said, we must not forget that longevity is, in essence, a sign of positive human development.
When we have the privilege of having our loved ones around for longer, we must also be better prepared to care for them. We need more knowledge and better education to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
Therefore, it is a great pleasure for me to visit the Jozefina Care Home – the first elderly care home in Poland to be certified in the Silviahemmet Care Philosophy which aims at highest quality of life for the person affected by dementia and the family. The cornerstones in the philosophy, outgoing from palliative care philosophy are; personcentered care/symtomcontrol, familysupport, teamwork, communication and relation.
I have been very impressed by what I have seen here today. I thank you for your dedication and passion in this important field and, once again, for welcoming me today. I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you.