Free from Fears: Online the video dedicated to the wellbeing of family carers of people with dementia "Finding Time for Yourself: The Sofa"

On Thursday, 20 February, the third encounter of the "Free from Fears" series took place, dedicated to finding time for oneself in caring for a loved one with dementia. The conference offered insights and strategies to help family carers preserve their wellbeing and face the challenges associated with caregiving. The video "Finding Time for Yourself: The Sofa" and the event recording are available online.

In the evening, the video "Finding Time for Yourself: The Sofa" premiered, showcasing the importance of self-care while looking after a loved one. The video concept was developed by the research team led by Dr Maddalena Fiordelli, with the participation of Dr Anna Messina, Dr Rebecca Amati, and Anna Maria Annoni. The production was overseen by videomaker Milly Miljkovic, with Ambra Guidotti providing technical support for audio editing.

The video "Finding Time for Yourself: The Sofa" can be accessed by clicking on the following link, while the event recording is available for review by clicking here.

The evening began with a general introduction, followed by expert presentations. Erika Tricarico, a family carer of a person with dementia, shared her personal experience, recounting the challenges and strategies adopted to find a balance between caregiving and self-care. Frair Michele Ravetta, a social worker from Canton Ticino, illustrated the resources available to support family carers in managing their time and daily responsibilities. Professor Rita Pezzati, a psychologist and psychotherapist from the Conscious Ageing Group (GINCO), explored the psychological wellbeing of carers, offering tools to address the emotional difficulties associated with caregiving.

The evening was facilitated by Giancarlo Dillena, who led an engaging discussion between the speakers and the audience.

The "Free from Fears" project is carried out by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) of Università della Svizzera italiana in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Affairs of Canton Ticino (DSS), Pro Senectute Ticino and Moesano, Alzheimer Ticino, the City of Lugano, Lugano Social Institutes (LIS), the Ticino Association of Psychologists (ATP), and the Swiss Red Cross Sottoceneri Section (CRSS). The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

More information about the project is available by clicking on the following link.

Additionally, the interview on RSI "La Consulenza" from 19 February 2025, featuring Erika Tricarico, Friar Michele Ravetta, and Professor Rita Pezzati, focuses on Alzheimer's and family carers is available.