Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015
446. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a submission from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland regarding the need to support persons with dementia to live at home for as long as possible; and the Government policy and his plans in this regard. [36170/15]
View answerThe overarching policy of this Government is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. It is estimated that there are approximately 41,000 people with dementia in Ireland. This number is expected to rise to between 141,000 and 147,000 by 2014. Given the increasing numbers of people with dementia, the Government committed to developing an Alzheimer's and other dementia's strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and develop enhanced community based services. The Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014.
The Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This National Dementia Implementation Programme will represent a combined investment of €27.5m, with Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m and the HSE contributing €15.5m.
This programme will promote a greater focus on timely diagnosis of dementia and on the value of early intervention, along with the long-term objective of making people in Ireland generally more aware and understanding of the needs of people with dementia, and of the contribution that those with dementia continue to make to our society.
Key elements of the initiative include:
-the roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Home Care Packages for people with dementia;
-the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GP's, who are the critical and initial point of contact with the health system for those with dementia. The resource material will include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points etc;
-measures to raise public awareness, address stigma and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia.
A Monitoring Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been established to assist with and advise on implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, including the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme. This Group includes health professionals, administrators, researchers and advocates. The Group also includes a person living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia. The most recent meeting of this Monitoring Group was held on 24th September 2015.
As the delivery of dementia services is a matter for the HSE, I have referred your question to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
