asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the growing problem of senile dementia in many of the health board areas, he has plans to make provision for funding for the care of sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the present condition of services in this area.
Written Answers. - Senile Dementia Services.
47.
The report of the working party on services to the elderly —The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly recognised the importance of caring for elderly persons with dementia and recommendations were made to improve the service.
Although much attention has been given in recent years to the increased incidence of dementia among the elderly, a closer analysis of the figures does not suggest that the problem will be unmanageable. The projected elderly population suggests that in the year 2001 about 20,000 elderly people will be suffering from a significant form of dementia. Only a small proportion of these will develop a severe form of the condition. Provided a continuum of care exists to support the elderly person with dementia at home for as long as possible, institutional requirements for those with this condition can be kept reasonably small.
I appreciate the immense strain on families caring for elderly relatives suffering from severe forms of dementia. I accept the need for assistance at home from the health services and the need for respite care and institutional care during a crisis or when the affected person becomes unmanageable at home.
The Eastern Health Board recently appointed this country's first psycho-geriatrician with responsibility for the care of elderly persons with dementia to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. There is also a locum consultant psycho-geriatrician serving St. James's Hospital and St. Patrick's Hospital. Respite facilities for elderly patients suffering from dementia are available in Baggot Street Hospital and in St. John of God's Hospital, Stillorgan. In other health board areas, patients suffering from dementia are cared for in psychiatric hospitals.
The Government have accepted in principle the recommendations of the The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly. The report provides a blueprint for improving services for the elderly, including those suffering from dementia, in coming years. Some of the recommendations of the report, particularly those concerning improved co-ordination of services can be implemented and are being implemented without additional resources. Others, involving new services and facilities will be implemented as resources permit.