A number of initiatives have been taken in relation to the improvement of dementia services. Significant additional funding of €6 million has been made available in the period 1999-2002 for the express purpose of providing assistance to carers, including carers of Alzheimer's sufferers. Additional funding of €2.5 million has been made available to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland for expansion of its services, particularly day-care services. A number of new community nursing units for older people, which have been constructed in recent years, provide respite and day-care for people with dementia. A number of further such units are being planned during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
My Department has been informed by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that the South-Western Area Health Board, in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Society, has initiated a home respite scheme for dementia sufferers. Under the scheme carers are being recruited to provide respite in the patient's home to avoid further disorientation. It is hoped that within six months up to 50 families will be able to avail of this service.
My Department accepts the need to further develop services for people with dementia and their carers. It is intended to continue with initiatives commenced in recent years of allocating additional developmental resources towards the build-up of community supports for older people, including those with dementia.
