Pat Kenny launches the Alzheimer Society’s 15th Tea Day appeal
Sunday 29 March 2009
Specialist community services are essential so that people affected by Alzheimer’s can remain at home for as long as possible, according to broadcaster Pat Kenny, today at the launch of the 15th national Alzheimer’s Tea Day in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Kenny, who’s late mother Connie had Alzheimer’s disease for 14 years, is stirring up support for Tea Day to ensure that families can access local Alzheimer’s services when they need them.
“Having access to appropriate care services like home care, day care and respite care can make the difference in families being able to care for their loved one at home for longer – even years longer,” says Kenny. “But for this to actually happen, more funding is required for services on the ground. More funds from government and more funds from this Tea Day appeal.”
Dementia affects 44,000 people, two thirds of whom have Alzheimer’s disease. Ireland’s ageing population means that the numbers affected are expected to soar to 103,000 by 2036. Kenny believes most people in Ireland know someone affected by Alzheimer’s, so Tea Day is something we should all be concerned with. “Alzheimer’s doesn’t always happen to someone else. It can happen to someone we love and have an impact throughout our own family. That’s why Alzheimer’s Tea Day matters to me and should matter to everyone. That’s why we all need to make our cuppa count!”
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides almost 700,000 hours of care and support per year through a network of more than 100 dementia-specific services. Funding comes largely from the Health Services Executive (HSE) - on average only 70% of costs. Thirty cent in every euro spent on providing services must come from fundraising and other mechanisms. In total, close to €4million must be raised annually to bridge the gap between the actual cost of services and HSE funding.
Demand for services has rocketed in recent years. Many are now reaching breaking point. Most are operating at full capacity, have growing waiting lists and are unable to meet the needs of new families in crisis
Alzheimer’s Tea Day is the main fundraising campaign of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It aims to highlight the contribution made by Alzheimer’s carers in Ireland and to encourage members of the public to raise money in order to give carers a break. Tea Day patron Pat Kenny knows only too well the difference Alzheimer Society services can make to carers and families. Kenny hopes that more people than ever before will join him in hosting tea parties in or around May 7th to raise funds for much needed services. “The great thing about Tea Day is that money raised locally at parties is spent locally, to support local Alzheimer services and benefit local people in your area. It’s also a fun and easy way to show you care about Alzheimer’s. And whether you’re at work, at home or on the move, there’s always time for a good brew!”
To register for Tea Day, just call 1 800 719 820, e-mail teaday@alzheimer.ie or www.teaday.ie by 30th April to guarantee the arrival of your tea day pack in time for Tea Day on Thursday 7th May 2009.