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Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2012

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Ceisteanna (178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183)

Simon Harris

Ceist:

179 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in an area (details supplied) who have been diagnosed with dementia; the way this compares with the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13320/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Simon Harris

Ceist:

180 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the psychiatry and old age services available in an area (details supplied); if there are any specialist units for dementia care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13321/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Simon Harris

Ceist:

181 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the function of memory clinics in the treatment of dementia; if this service is available in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13322/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 181, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Simon Harris

Ceist:

182 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the number of persons eligible for the Health Service Executive home care package in an area (details supplied); the take-up of this package; the way this compares to the national take-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13323/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Simon Harris

Ceist:

183 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the dementia care services available nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13324/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Simon Harris

Ceist:

184 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive supports available to the families and carers of persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13325/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.

The Health Service Executive provides a range of services for people with dementia including Primary Care Services, Home Support Services, Day Care, Respite, Housing with Care and Continuing Care Services. These services are delivered through the HSE's network of local offices, via Public Health Nursing, Day Care Centres and Public and Private Residential Care Facilities and where appropriate, Psychiatry of Old Age teaMsThe HSE also funds non-governmental agencies to provide a range of services under section 38 of the Health Act (2004). In addition a limited number of memory clinics and specialist services are available.

It is not possible to state exactly what the volume of community services is as data relating to service provision is not collated in a way that identifies dementia specific services. It is estimated that 63% of all long-stay residents have dementia (Cahill, O'Shea and Pierce 2012).

The families and carers of people with Dementia can access a number of services through their primary care team or HSE funded services such as those provided by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. Respite services are the most common request and this is provided in a number of ways i.e. through the provision of a Home Care Package to support respite in a persons own home, or through day respite within dementia specific or generic day care centres. Respite is also provided in residential homes. In addition carer support groups have been established across the country, details of which can be obtained from local Primary Care Teams.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government gave a commitment to develop a National Strategy on Dementia by 2013 which will increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and enhance community based services for people living with this condition. The first stage of the process, which was to assemble the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed, was recently completed. The findings of the review were published and presented to Minister Reilly. The report is available at www.doh.ie.

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