New investment at Western Alzheimers facility in Ballindine
THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has launched reconfiguration works to Marian House Respite Centre in Ballindine which is run by Western Alzheimers.
The project will improve the quality of care and enhance the experience for service users who avail of this specialised dementia service enabling them to continue to enjoy a meaningful life in their own home and within their own community.
Minister Ring said: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to previous generations. One of the best ways to acknowledge this debt is by ensuring that our older citizens have access to the quality services they need.
“When complete, this facility in Ballindine will provide top quality care to residents at Marian House. This will improve the quality of life of the residents and provide comfort and peace of mind to their loved ones.
“The efforts of the staff here in Marian House are focused on meeting the current and future need of both the residents and the local community. I am confident the services here will continue to enhance the lives of those in receipt of care.
“They will receive the highest standard of care in a safe and secure environment. That is something to be proud of. As we age we all aspire to live at home in our own community.”
government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. However, when living at home is no longer possible, it is important that older people have access to the best residential care available.
“With a Budget of €940 million, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme will provide financial support this year to about 23,600 people across the country, ensuring that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable to everyone assessed as needing it.”
It is estimated that 55,000 people in Ireland have a dementia today and this number is expected to increase rapidly in future years, in line with our ageing population. To meet the challenges associated with the increased prevalence of dementia, the government published Ireland’s first National Dementia Strategy in December 2014.
The strategy emphasises that with the right supports, people with dementia can continue to live well in their own homes and communities for a long time.
A National Dementia Office has been established in the HSE to drive implementation of the Strategy, and a €27.5 million National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme, co-funded by the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies, is under way.
This orogramme provides for dementia specific intensive home care packages, a public awareness campaign, and supports for GPs and primary care teams to diagnose and manage dementia.