December 16th, 2016
TWO YEARS ON FROM PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL DEMENTIA STRATEGY
AND HUNDREDS OF HOME CARE PACKAGES STILL NOT DELIVERED
On the second anniversary of the publication of Ireland’s first National Dementia
Strategy, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has serious concerns at the pace of the
roll-out of 500 promised intensive home care packages as people continue to
experience hardship 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 ongoing climate of uncertainty.
As of 31st October 2016, just some 138 packages had been delivered out of a
promised 500 despite an estimated 55,000 people living with dementia, 63pc of
whom live in the community.
Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs with The Alzheimer Society of
Ireland, Tina Leonard said: “It is just unacceptable that two years on since
from the publication of the NDS just 138 people have received these vital
supports. We are facing into a predicted trebling in the number of people set to
develop dementia in the next 30 years, that’s one in ten people over the age of 65
set to develop the condition, alongside a concurrent shrinking in the number of
children in families meaning there are fewer siblings to support elderly parents,
and increased globalisation meaning they are less likely to be living nearby
anyway. The formal care system is going to have to adapt to meet this need.
”We would now call for a definitive statement and timeline from the HSE at this
point as to when the remaining packages will be delivered. 500 packages is only
the tip of the iceberg in terms of actual need and meanwhile, continued cuts to
home help and home care packages means people with dementia continue to be
channelled toward long-term, institutional care when many wish to stay in their
own homes. This is directly in opposition to Government policy which is to support
people to live at home as long as possible.”
“Appropriate home care should be provided as a choice to help keep people well in
the community and out of hospital and long-term residential care. It is also vital in
supporting family carers, who provide the vast majority of home-based care for
people with dementia,” she concluded.
Ends
To request an interview please contact Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs Tina Leonard on 087
2243004.
Notes to the Editor:
There are approximately 55,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. This number is expected to
increase significantly in the coming years; rising to 68,216 people by 2021 and to 132,000 people by
2041.
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The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Most people living
with dementia are cared for by a family member and there are approximately 50,000 dementia
family carers in Ireland.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and
damage to the brain.
The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is
attributable to family care; 43% is accounted for by residential care; formal health and social
care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday
10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341.
Figures referenced to Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland