Call for full reopening of Dementia and Alzheimer’s day services in Mayo

Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland day care service offered in Castlebar has not yet reopened.

Additionally, the Western Alzheimer's day care service offered in Ballindine has not yet reopened.

A Mayo TD has called for the full reopening of Dementia and Alzheimer’s day services in the county.

Deputy Alan Dillon has received confirmation from the HSE that the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) Day Care service offered in Castlebar has not yet reopened.

In the meantime, ASI have reconfigured how they deliver Day Care and are offering a ‘Day Care in the home’ option to clients.

In respect of Western Alzheimer's, their respite service is open and operational but the Day Care in Ballindine has not reopened.

Prior to COVID, the day care centre was situated within the respite residential unit in Ballindine with a shared living area with the respite clients.

This increased the infection prevention and control risks.

Western Alzheimer’s have also reconfigured how they deliver Day Services and are offering a ‘Day Care in the home’ option to their clients.

Deputy Dillon said: “As we move towards much higher levels of normality beyond Covid-19, it is important that day care services reopen in line with the reductions in public health measures.

"For far too long, people have not been able to socialise or enjoy the benefits of sharing experiences and conversations with people in similar situations.

"While the day Ccre in the home provides some benefit, it is not a replacement for day care units.

“It is important that clients of the Dementia and Alzheimer’s day services are not neglected.

"The HSE now need to significantly increase their efforts and work with providers to ensure day services reopen as soon as possible.

"These day dervices unit are vital to clients who need increased socialisation and it is now necessary to have an urgent timeline on when the units in Castlebar and Ballindine reopen.”