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.