Dementia has the capacity to rob people of their dignity and joy in life, if not properly addressed and supported, President Michael D Higgins has warned.
Speaking at the official opening of the Waterman’s Lodge Day Care and Respite Centre on Wednesday, President Higgins stated the more he sees of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s work, the more he is impressed by their patient and determined response to this cruel affliction.
Describing the event as a day of “great pride” for everyone involved in creating the centre, the society’s patron said he was delighted to be in Ballina/Killaloe.
“We all know people in our families, our friends and our communities who have been affected by dementia; people who had hitherto lived full and engaging lives in society until this illness gradually disconnected them from the normal interaction of life; people who now live in the shadows rather than the full light of life.
“The apparent arbitrary occurrence of dementia is a very cruel fate for those who suffer from it and for their family and loved ones. How more cruel and intolerable would that be if dementia had to be endured alone; if the people concerned were simply left to cope on their own, marginalised in their community and isolated from society.
“The role played by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in ensuring that dementia does not become such a life in the shadows is therefore of critical importance. The work that you do with dementia sufferers and their families is vitally important in maintaining a sense of hope, dignity and solidarity.
“That network of support includes over 100 dementia specific services, such as day care centres, home care services, carer support groups, social clubs and two respite centres,” he said.
In addition, the president pointed out the Alzheimer National Helpline Service offers vital information and support to anyone struggling to cope with a loved one being robbed of their vitality.
He said the work completed by the society is a great story of transformation – of people who opted to become active citizens in support of others who were at risk of becoming marginalised and excluded.
He noted the small number of pioneers who founded the society in 1982 led the way and thousands of others have since followed so that sufferers of dementia and their family can have a better and more dignified life.
Seven years after the society was formed, the Limerick branch was established. Its first committee had only seven members and yet it was instrumental in the establishment of three day care centres and the day care/respite centre opened in Ballina/Killaloe, as well as encouraging the establishment of branches in Adare and Nenagh.
He said this is more evidence of the transformational power of people coming together determined to collectively work in the interests of those who do not have the capacity to help themselves.
He praised the work completed by the Limerick branch, particularly one of its founding members, Lillian Sullivan, for her vision and commitment.
“I congratulate all concerned on what has been achieved – particularly the members, staff and volunteers of the society, who every day choose to be agents of transformation – to be the arrow and not the target – so that life is made a little bit easier for people who suffer from dementia and their families,” he said.

Centre could cater for 4,000 respite stays a year

Up to 2,000 day care places and 4,000 respite stays annually will be provided by the new €4.23 million Waterman’s Lodge Day Care and Respite Centre in Ballina, Killaloe, it emerged this week.
The huge contribution of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s regional respite centre was emphasised when their patron officially opened the centre on Wednesday.
A special marquee was erected for 120 invited guests, who were shown the state-of-the-art facilities, which are situated in picturesque surroundings. However, the event wasn’t open to members of the public who may have wished to meet President Higgins because of space restrictions.
The centre will provide dementia-specific, person-centred care to people with dementia and their carers in North Tipperary, East Clare and East Limerick.
It has nine beds, three of which are twin rooms to facilitate a couple with Alzheimer’s. A couple with Alzheimer’s stays in the Waterman’s Lodge during the Christmas period.
During his visit, President Higgins was given a tour of the centre, which has been recently renovated using dementia design principles. It provides a range of rooms and spaces to offer a truly positive experience to people living with dementia.
The president also spent time meeting with service users, volunteers, carers, fundraisers and board members. It was a very proud and memorable occasion for all those present, who represent everyone associated with the services of Waterman’s Lodge and in particular the 20 staff members.
Waterman’s Lodge, which has been open for 14 months, recently expanded its respite care to a 24-hour service seven days a week.
At full capacity, Waterman’s Lodge will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 day care places and 4,000 respite stays per year, while at the same time providing carers and families the opportunity to have a much needed break.
The new facilities, which were funded through capital grants from the JP McManus Foundation, the HSE and local fundraising efforts, give people the freedom to move around while providing cues and prompts that enable them to know where they are at all times.
Kevin Norton, chairman, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland praised the wonderful achievement of all those who have worked, volunteered and supported The Alzheimer Society of Ireland in bringing the centre to the community.
“The Alzheimer Society are very proud of Waterman’s Lodge and how it demonstrates the huge benefit services like this can have for people living with dementia. This day care and respite centre is a tribute to those who dreamed of opening this facility many years ago and today I pay tribute to all of the volunteers who made this a reality,” he said.
For more information on the services provided by The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, contact 1800 341 341 or log onto www.alzheimer.ie.