Dementia Care
A Ghrá Care services recognise that dementia care is unique. We feel that an understanding of dementia is a prerequisite to providing sensitive person centred care. With this in mind, we have the following supports in place:
- High quality person centred and consistent dementia care service.
- Specialist dementia care advisory staff available to support families and care staff.
- At all times our care staff encourage the independence and dignity of the person with dementia.
- We are committed to supporting families and to helping them look after their loved ones at home as long as possible.
- Specifically designed care plans can be put in place to suit the needs of the person with dementia.
This care plan is reviewed regularly in partnership with family members and A Ghrá Care Professionals.
STATISTICS:
- There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland at present and over 600,000 people living in families who are affected.
- The highest rates per head of population are in the west of Ireland . There are over 6,400 people living with dementia in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.
- Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon have historically exhibited higher dementia prevalence rates per capita compared to other regions. This trend is attributed to factors such as an aging population and rural demographics prevalent in these areas.
- The number of people with dementia is expected to more than double to 150,000 by 2045.
- Dementia affects more women than men (possible reasons being women have longer life expectancy than men; higher risk factors in women include hormonal and genetic factors)
- There are about 11,000 new cases of dementia diagnosed each year in Ireland, equating to roughly 30 new cases daily.
- Approximately 63% of people with dementia in Ireland live at home within their communities.
- Around 10% of those diagnosed with dementia are under the age of 65, highlighting that dementia can affect younger individuals as well.
- The annual cost of dementia care in Ireland is estimated at €1.69 billion, with 48% of this cost borne by family carers.
Sources:
Prevalence and projections of Dementia in Ireland, 2011-2046, Dr. Maria Pierce, Prof. Suzanne Cahill and Prof. Eamonn O ‘ Shea),
Alzheimer Society of Ireland, www.alzheimer.ie
DEMENTIA INFORMATION:
A Ghrá has created its own booklet as an aid to both carers and families. The link below contains a lot of useful information about Dementia, the information was collated and this booklet produced by Eileen Kelly, our Dementia Lead and a person who has many years of experience dealing with Dementia. Please feel free to download it