The Alzheimer Society of Ireland urges Joint Oireachtas Committee for commitment to a National Dementia Strategy

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is to inform the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children today that there is compelling economic and social arguments to recognise and designate dementia as a National Health Priority.

The charity will urge members of the committee to use their influence to support the charity’s call to develop a national dementia strategy without delay before further proposed funding cuts to its services see some of the 44,000 people living with dementia and their 50,000 carers left without even basic support though community services.

The charity makes its call as it reveals the harsh impact cuts will have on some of the most vulnerable people in society. It will outline that for every €18,500 cut from existing HSE funding a total of four people with dementia and their carers will lose their service AND one Alzheimer Society of Ireland job will be lost.

While the charity fully recognises the current economic situation, it pertains that ignoring the crisis now will have huge financial consequences for the Government as demands for long term care will inevitably increase. The charity has seen its waiting lists increase by 33% in the last year.

Maurice O'Connell, CEO, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will present a strong moral and economic argument for protecting dementia services : "With over reliance on carers in Ireland, burnout of carers represents a significant and immediate threat to healthcare costs. For example, should those carers of approx 30% of people on Alzheimer Society waiting lists reach burnout, the state could potentially be facing at least €12m in costs for providing additional residential care services in 2011."

"I demonstrate today the cost-effectiveness of supporting carers through home care relief and day care relief and other community services. Dementia caregivers who can access these services can care for longer, which is what they dearly want to do; this ultimately acts to lower health care costs and reduce the need for long term beds."

A national dementia strategy would enable the formulation of a strategic and fully coordinated response to meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

The charity will highlight that if the Government does not take immediate action to address the hidden health crisis of dementia, Ireland will face a much worse crisis in the future as the country has an ageing population. In the next 16 years alone the amount of people living with dementia will increase from 44,000 today to 70,115 in 2026.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will ask the Joint Oireachtas Committee to use its influence to:

• Protect community services
• Clear waiting lists for 1,000 people to avoid carer burnout and provide services for people living with dementia in their own home
• Ensure completion of a National Dementia Strategy by 2013

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland believes that dementia is the most significant health issue facing older people in Ireland. Dementia needs to be categorised as a chronic illness and recognised as a National Health Priority. To register your support please log on to www.alzheimer.ie

For further information please contact:

Helena O'Donnell, Communications Officer (Public Affairs) on 086 7744 883