Calls for more funding for young onset dementia services in Limerick
The calls from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland were part of the budget submissions and includes a call for additional services in Limerick
THE ALZHEIMER Society of Ireland (ASI) are calling on the Government to invest €8.23 million in community dementia supports.
The ASI is urging the Government to improve equity of access for people living with dementia and family carers through investment in community day care services, dementia-specific home care, and also to increase supports for people with young-onset dementia.
The recommendations are contained in the ASI’s pre-budget submission 2027, A Clear Path to Better Community Supports – Building a Dementia-Inclusive Ireland.
There are more than 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and this is forecast to more than double to 150,000 by 2045.
It’s estimated that there are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year with a rise in people under the age of 65 developing young-onset dementia.
Joan, whose brother Pat Hevenor attends the day care centre in Adare, spoke about the difference the service has made to their lives.
“Day-to-day life looks very different since Pat was diagnosed with young-onset dementia. We were slow to bring Pat to Adare Day Care Centre – looking back, I think we were just not ready to accept his diagnosis – it was hard to take.
“Now, I only wish we had brought him sooner. From his very first day, he was whistling along to the music – something we hadn’t heard him do in a long time. He loves being around people. I don’t know what we would do without the support of the Adare Day Centre. We would be lost.”
Norita, whose father-in-law Jim O’Brien attends the same day care centre in Adare highlighted the importance of investing in and expanding dementia services to meet growing demand in the region.
“Dementia affects every part of daily life, not just for the person but for the whole family. Access to the right supports at the right time makes all the difference.
“The support we receive locally is so important, and it’s vital that these services continue to grow so more people can get the help they need. We as a family cannot thank the team in Adare enough for the care they have given Jim and us over the years.”
The ASI are appealing for dedicated money to fund five new dementia specific day care centres, expand capacity in existing centres and provide home care support, along with other ancillary services.
The ASI’s CEO Andy Heffernan said: “Budget 2027 offers a major opportunity to secure critical funding for dementia services at a time of rising demand.”