On October 19, Mobility Training-1 involved three different activities by the team: an online meeting with the coordinators, a class conducted by Mr. Joaquín Francisco Roca González, and finally a visit to AFA Levante in Cartagena.
Online Meeting with the SU Project Coordination Team
On the morning of day 4, precisely at 10:30 AM, our team had a comprehensive meeting with the SU coordinating team: Prof. Persi Engineer and Prof. Hardik Gandhi. The meeting served as a platform for in-depth discussions on various important aspects of our project.
The topics covered during the meeting included:
Our commitment to working together as a team to meet these deadlines and achieve our project objectives was emphasised during this meeting. The exchange of ideas and strategies contributed to our collective drive to efficiently accomplish our goals.
Biomedical Engineering Class by Mr. Joaquín Francisco Roca González
At 1:30 pm, Mr. Joaqun led a session as part of the post-lunch session. This session featured various associations dedicated to differently-abled individuals, who shared the significant challenges they encounter while providing their services. These associations presented their issues to both students and us.
Mr. Joaquín then outlined a structured approach to address these problems. The issues were to be divided among the students in groups, and over the course of the semester, each group would prepare a comprehensive proposal. The initial feedback on these proposals would be discussed with the respective associations, allowing for necessary modifications. Once the proposals were finalised, students would be responsible for presenting potential solutions at the end of the semester, with their evaluations based on these presentations.
All the presentations during the session were conducted in Spanish, but Mr. Joaquín thoughtfully provided explanations in English to ensure everyone’s full understanding.
Mr. Joaquín will soon share the initial problems presented by these associations with all of us, initiating a collaborative effort to address these critical challenges.
About: AFA Levante
AFA Levante, established on February 15, 1995, is a non-profit association with a noble mission: providing support to the families and carers of individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative dementias. Over the years, they have extended their assistance to over 7000 individuals, delivering comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary team comprising professionals in physiotherapy, psychology, and work and social education. Their focus is on offering non-pharmacological support throughout the course of these diseases.
AFA Levante has been successful in enhancing the quality of life for patients by employing neuropsychological and physiotherapy rehabilitation therapies. Presently, they boast a robust community of more than two hundred partners who play a pivotal role in operating their comprehensive rehabilitation centres. These partners receive invaluable guidance and support aimed at both patients and their families.
AFA Levante has emerged as a benchmark centre in the Region of Murcia and its neighbouring areas, with multiple facilities located in Cartagena, Los Alcázares, Fuente Álamo, San Javier, and Torre Pacheco. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases has cemented their position as a cornerstone of support and care in the area.
Details of the Visit to AFA Levante
Following today’s session led by Mr. Joaquín, we collectively visited the Cartagena Centre of AFA Levante at 5:30 pm. Our visit was accompanied by Ms. Eva Martínez García and Mr. Rafael Hernández Arnaiz. AFA Levante receives support from a dedicated team of over 200 volunteers and more than 15 professionals, all committed to improving the quality of life for approximately 50 individuals battling Alzheimer’s.
Most of these individuals are seniors who visit the centre during the day and return home in the evening. While at the centre, they engage in various activities, including workshops, games, and physiotherapy. Our visit allowed us to witness these activities firsthand and recognise the importance of group engagement for most, although individual attention is provided when needed.
We gained insight into the challenges families face when caring for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s at home and the relief that this centre offers through its comprehensive facilities. Additionally, the centre maintains ongoing collaboration with hospitals to support the physical and mental well-being of these individuals. It’s worth noting that this centre also plays a role in training students to become volunteers. Funding for the centre is derived from government sources, private firms, and contributions from families.
Our visit to the centre left a profound impact on all of us, sparking deep contemplation about the lives of these individuals. We were moved by the centre’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity, providing support throughout the year.
