Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
265. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that each person diagnosed with dementia has access to a dementia adviser; the counties which do not have a dementia adviser to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48575/19]
View answerThe Dementia Adviser Service was established by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) in mid-2014 and has been co-funded by the HSE since 2016. Dementia advisers provide information, advice and support to people with dementia and their families, or anyone concerned about their cognitive health, at all stages of their journey, from diagnosis through to end-of-life. A recent evaluation has shown that people with dementia and their families highly value the services provided.
In recognition of this, the Government has decided to fund an additional ten dementia advisers as part of an expansion of health care delivery in the community in Budget 2020 to deliver on the vision of Sláintecare. This will ensure the provision of enhanced support services for people with dementia.
In relation to the Deputy's specific question about the counties which do not have a dementia adviser, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
