First Lady presents plans for a Dementia Friendly American Samoa

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First Lady Ella Failautusi Mauga convened a meeting this morning to discuss her vision for a Dementia Friendly American Samoa, and to get the support of departments, media, and organizations to bring her plans to reality

The meeting, held at the VA Center, heard remarks by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, about the need for a special place where people with dementia can be looked after.

He said, whereas in the past there were always family members to look after the elderly, times have changed and most family members have jobs.

The Governor said, providing services that are not available at LBJ Hospital—for example, to diagnose those with dementia—is one of the reasons for the planned new hospital.

He said, the elderly, 70 and above, experience mental stress when they have to go off island for medical treatment, which adds to their physical illness.

His vision is to take care of the medical needs of the elderly, on island, at the planned new hospital.

The First Lady spoke about a colleague in the military who had to care of an elderly mother with dementia, who eventually gave up her career to return home and take care of her mother.

She related that it was at a meeting she attended last year, that featured a speaker with dementia, that made her think of the need to take care of people with this condition in our community.

She said, our elderly parents took care of us from infancy and it is our duty to take care of them when they’re not able to take care of themselves.

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The First Lady’s goal to to have a building where people with dementia can gather and be looked after, and where caregivers can also get respite.

Departments represented ant the meeting included, Human and Social Services, Health, Human Resources, Public Safety, TAOA, OPAD, Public Works, Bluesky and radio stations such as South Seas Broadcasting and KSBS.