Sharing the Responsibility for Alzheimer Caring

Findings, released by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland today (3/5/2007) show that more than two thirds of Irish people believe that there aren't enough services available for people with dementia and their carers. The survey, carried out by MORI to investigate the impact of Alzheimer's disease in Ireland, shows that three times more people believe that both the HSE and the Government must share the responsibility for caring for persons with a dementia, compared to a similar poll in 2003.

Community based dementia-specific services such as, day care, home care and respite care are vital for both the person with dementia and their carer, improving their quality of life and supporting independent living for longer. The family unit is still seen by the public as central in the care of someone with Alzheimer's / dementia, however 45% of people now believe that the HSE are accountable for providing dementia care to people who need it. One in three people hold the Government responsible for making services available.

Speaking at the 13th Annual Alzheimer's Tea Day, Maurice O'Connell, Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland says "Carers tell us that they want to do the caring for their loved one at home but they need access to dementia services to be able to have a break. They want help to be available when they need it and they want the HSE and the Government to commit to providing more support services and better assessment services," he said.

On average family carers are providing 10 hours of care per day, contributing 57% of the baseline cost of dementia care, which now stands at €400m annually. The contribution of family care is in stark contrast to the relatively low provision of community care for people with dementia. Dementia support services are fragmented and underdeveloped on the ground and only 6% of the cost of dementia care is attributable to community care services.

Critical of the impact of deficit funding in service provision, O'Connell says:"It's no longer acceptable for service providers like the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to be dependent on voluntary contributions in order to provide vital services. The HSE and the next Government need to step up to the plate, recognise dementia as a national healthcare priority and implement a dementia strategy that includes 100% funding for dementia service costs."

The Alzheimer Society, this year celebrating its Silver Jubilee year, believes that dementia is the most significant health related issue for older persons. Close to 40,000 people in Ireland have the condition and numbers are expected to double in twenty years due to our ageing population. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for about two thirds of cases. Each year 4,000 new cases of dementia arise in Ireland, increasing demand for the Society's services to an all time high.

Alzheimer's Tea Day, takes place nationally today to raise funds to provide dementia-specific services in communities all over Ireland. Monies raised through donations and tea breaks go to provide local services for local people and to help give carers a break.

There's still time to make a difference - just freephone 1 800 719 820 to register your tea break or make a donation.