Image: Chani Anderson; capturesbychani.com
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD officially reopened our Dementia-Specific Day Centre in the St. Mary’s Day Care Centre, Mallow. The centre has undergone a significant transformation and will continue to provide care and support to people living with dementia and their families in the region, in a nurturing environment.
The centre’s opening follows recent successful openings in Westmeath, Kildare, Dungarvan, Wexford, and Cavan, and marks the 49th ASI centre in Ireland. The centre will offer various activities to promote cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and physical activity. The centre’s opening was attended by members of The ASI, local dignitaries, supporters, and community members. The opening ceremony included a plaque unveiling and a tour of the new facility.
Cork Native and Head of Operations at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Siobhan O’Connor, said:
“I am delighted to reopen this wonderful centre in Mallow in the heart of North Cork – the 49th ASI Centre – in my home county. The History of the centre goes back to 1991, a result of a hard-working branch, a generous neighbour and the full support of local families and the community. Today’s reopening is no different, and It is the collaboration of the Community – the HSE and ASI working together. It warms my heart to see what a community can achieve when they band together. This centre will provide a home for support and services to people living with Dementia and their families in North Cork. We’re aiming to open our 50th Centre in the next month”
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD said:
“As a long-term champion for people with dementia, I’m delighted to officially open the new Mallow dementia-specific day centre. This centre exemplifies the Government’s commitment to funding a variety of supports for people with dementia and their families. I am pleased to once again partner with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland as we open the 49th dementia-specific day centre, which will undoubtedly bring immense benefits to individuals living with dementia and their families in the locality.
Day care, home care and meals on wheels are essential in supporting people to age well at home in their communities and I will continue to ringfence funding for these vital supports.”
An estimated 7,509 people live with dementia in Cork, and more than 11,000 people develop the disease annually – at least 30 people daily.
The new Daycare Centre is at St Mary’s Day Care Centre, Lower Bear Forest, Lenihan’s Lane, Mallow, P51 WKE3.
For more information about The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and its services, visit alzheimer.ie.
Notes:
About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI):
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland’s leading dementia-specific service provider. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia-specific services and supporting and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.
Alzheimer National Helpline:
For more information on our supports and services during this challenging time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at [email protected] or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie
ABOUT DEMENTIA
● There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*
● There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia – even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**
● Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
● Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
● Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
● 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
● 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 by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
*Figures referenced by Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland
*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’
**Figure referenced from Pierce, T., O’Shea, E. and Carney P. (2018) Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland.