Seamus Kirk
Ceist:610 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if there is a national strategy for treating dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31919/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 July 2012
Ceisteanna (595, 596, 597, 598)
Seamus Kirk
Ceist:611 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the cost of dementia care; ifhe will provide a breakdown of the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31920/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeamus Kirk
Ceist:612 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he acknowledges the increase in dementia care here; his plans to deal with dementia care in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31921/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeamus Kirk
Ceist:613 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of people suffering from dementia; the different stages of dementia; the supports given by him in relation to dementia care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31922/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 to 613, inclusive, together.
The programme for Government gives 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 to inform the policy, was completed earlier this year. The findings of the review were published and presented to Minister Reilly. The report is available at www.doh.ie. Findings from the report include details on prevalence and projections; the economic and social costs; community based health and social services available and services available in both acute and residential settings.
The Department is about to commence a public consultation process which will seek the views of interested parties, to help inform the development of the strategy. I would particularly like to hear the views of those directly affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, including people who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, and their families and carers.
In relation to the provision of services 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 teams. The 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.