Tag Archives: dementia

SMALL acts of kindness can make a big difference to a person living with dementia, according to Limerick dementia advisor, Sean Donal O’Shea. Mr O’Shea urges any family member who is caring for a person with dementia to contact their local dementia advisor. He also believes a person should also contact their local general practitioner who will know the family and their circumstances. “There is a dementia advisor in every county now. Six or seven years ago, there were only eight dementia advisors in the country. Now we have 31. This shows the Government is listening,” he said. “I have been lobbying with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland since 2007. There was nothing in budget after budget. In the most recent budget, ringfenced dementia funding has been provided, which is very valuable. “It is the small things that are the big things for a person with dementia. Covid-19 was an eye-opener for everyone when we were all locked in to …

Mike Hanrahan tells Fiona McGarry he is on a mission to highlight escalating crisis of Alzheimer’s in our society STOCKTON’S frontman, Mike Hanrahan, has described himself as being on “a crusade” to improve services for those with dementia and memory loss. It follows the recent passing of his mother, Mary, who had vascular dementia, and to whom his new single ‘A River Rolls On’ is dedicated. The deeply personal piece, performed by Mike, along with Sandy Kelly, Lisa Lambe and the inclusive Forget Me Nots Choir, will raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society. Mike hopes it will also spark a conversation about an issue facing an increasing number of Irish families. “After our experience of living with my mam’s dementia, I am on a crusade,” he told The Champion. “I feel I have to help. Our generation is encountering this condition on a scale not seen before. People are living longer and we’re going to need more supports for those …

There are more than 1,200 people in Clare living with dementia significantly impacting on their quality of life. With often a spouse and adult children, dementia also impacts thousands more family and healthcare professionals in the community. Many people are experiencing caring challenges in their lives; many of whom are at breaking point and simply don’t know where to turn for help, feeling guilty about leaning on others or becoming a burden. After all, 11 people a day develop dementia. Ireland’s first National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. It aims to meet the needs of people living with dementia in Ireland and the expected increase of people who will live with dementia in the future. What jumps out of the research is that all those impacted want to deliver care, want to be part of decision making and want support and respite. Hence, it identifies six priority areas: better awareness and understanding; timely diagnosis and intervention; integrated services, …

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has voiced concerns regarding ongoing media reports in relation to issues people are experiencing accessing adequate home supports. The ASI is today calling for a definitive statement from the Health Service Executive as to the viability of rolling out all 500 promised Intensive Homecare Packages for people with dementia, promised under the National Dementia Strategy amid this climate of uncertainty.Currently, just some 133 packages have been delivered out of a promised 500. Head of advocacy and public affairs with ASI, Tina Leonard said,“We are hearing concerning reports from services around the country that people with dementia and their carers are finding it increasingly difficult to access home care supports. We would now call for a definitive statement and timeline from the HSE at this time as to whether there is indeed a freeze on the provision of these supports. “Continued cuts to home help and home care packages means people with dementia are being …