Mary Butler
Question:37. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the new measures being put in place to support persons with dementia and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41221/19]
View answerThursday, 10 October 2019
Questions (37)
Written answers
The aim of the National Dementia Strategy, which was published in December 2014, is to improve care, services and supports for people with dementia. Implementation of the Strategy is being led by the National Dementia Office in the HSE.
The HSE currently provides about €9 million per annum for intensive home care packages, including €7.9 million for dementia-specific packages. Since the packages were introduced at the end of 2014, 459 dementia-specific intensive homecare packages have been delivered, with 193 active at the end of July 2019. The HSE has previously committed to continue funding the delivery of intensive home care packages to people with dementia. This funding is in addition to annual service level agreements with a range of organisations which deliver dementia-specific respite, home care, day care, cognitive stimulation therapy, social clubs and supports for family carers around the country.
I am pleased to say that in line with the continued rollout of the Sláintecare Implementation Plan, €10 million has been secured in Budget 2020 to enhance Community Services including allied health professionals, with a full year investment of €60m for 2021. As well as providing for up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community, this funding will also facilitate the recruitment of additional dementia advisers, whose information, advice and signposting service is highly valued by people with dementia and their families and carers.