Concern over delay in reopening dementia day centres

A Mayo Oireachtas member has raised an issue in regard to the reopening of dementia and Alzheimer's day care centres across the country.

Senator Lisa Chambers said it has been brought to her attention that very few of these centres have reopened.

She elaborated: "The person who spoke to me wisely put it that we spend a lot of time talking about pubs, bars and restaurants and very little time talking about the essential services families rely upon that have been shut for a year and a half.

"I have spoken to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, who informs me that initially only 14 of the Alzheimer's day centres are to open and that we are looking at 100 opening this week.

"That is still a long way off getting all centres open.

"Families rely on respite care for their loved ones to get time to themselves and recharge so they can get back to doing full-time care work for family members that need it.

"For the person suffering with dementia or Alzheimer's, part of ensuring longevity and coping with their condition is having those activities and day care centres.

"People deteriorate fast if they do not have access to same.

"I am dealing with a case at home where the individual went from having five days per week to having nothing for the past year and a half.

"This has put huge pressure on the family to keep him at home and make sure he is looked after.

"They are doing a fantastic job but he needs those day services.

"But we see need to be getting the centres open without further delay."