A technical trip was conducted with our Vocational School students to the Alzheimer Centers in Denizli

A technical and cultural trip was organized to Denizli within the scope of the project “Healthy Aging Workshop II”, which was supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry University Student Communities Cooperation and Support Program (ÜNİDES) 6th Term, conducted by the Social Development Community.

The trip, coordinated by the community's academic advisor, Lecturer Özge Kutlu, was attended by the Head of the Gerontology Department, Associate Professor Ebru Akbaş, and student members of the Social Development Community. The aim of the trip was for students to examine elderly care services, active and healthy aging practices, and services offered to Alzheimer patients on-site.

As part of the technical trip, the first visit was made to the Pamukkale Municipality Yüksel Turan Abalıoğlu Daytime Alzheimer and Elderly Rehabilitation Center. Students were welcomed by Sociologist Yeliz Eslem Eyüboğlu, who provided comprehensive information about the center's founding purpose, services offered, and activities conducted. Students had the opportunity to learn about the daytime care processes for Alzheimer patients and elderly individuals, social activity programs, rehabilitation practices, and support services for families. By examining the physical structure and service areas of the center, students were able to relate the knowledge they gained in theoretical classes to practical examples.

The second stop of the technical trip program was the Merkezefendi Municipality Alzheimer Living Center. During the visit, conducted with the Center Director Neşe Kaya, students were introduced to the center's working system, service model, and applications aimed at improving the quality of life for Alzheimer patients. Students received detailed information about cognitive support activities, social events, psychosocial support services, and family counseling activities carried out at the center. Observing the work aimed at maintaining the independent living skills of elderly individuals on-site significantly contributed to the students' professional development.

During the visits, students had the opportunity to meet with professionals working in the field of aging and share professional experiences. At the same time, students gained important experiences regarding how elderly care services are planned and implemented by local governments, which they can use in their future professional lives.

After the technical trip, as part of the program's cultural aspect, students visited the Pamukkale Travertines and its surroundings, one of the world's most important natural and historical heritage sites. While learning about the historical and cultural values of the region, students also had the opportunity to strengthen their social interactions. The cultural trip activity contributed to students' recognition of the historical and touristic values of different cities, forming an important part of the program.

The technical and cultural trip conducted within the scope of the “Healthy Aging Workshop II” project carried out by the Social Development Community provided significant contributions to students' on-site observations of practices in the fields of aging and Alzheimer, development of their professional knowledge and skills, and increasing their awareness of intergenerational solidarity and healthy aging.