A third of people living with dementia said they are unable to access the services they need, while a further half say they are only able to access some of the services they need.
That’s according to a new report – one of the largest carried out on the experience of dementia in Ireland – launched today by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI ).
The report The Experience of Dementia in Ireland: A Snapshot in Time found that just 20% of people living with dementia were able to access all of the services they need.
The major shortfall was similar among carers with 26% saying they do not have access to the services they need, 52% reported only having access to some services, while just 12% said that their needs were being met.
The research – giving a comprehensive insight into people’s lived experiences – was carried out in early summer 2023 on a base of almost 670 people, including both carers and people living with dementia.
The findings have prompted The ASI to call for the publication of a detailed and multi-annual implementation plan for the new HSE Model of Care for Dementia in Ireland plan, which was published last May.
Other findings in the report included:
Accessing home care is a particular struggle – with respondents highlighting large discrepancies between hours needed, hours granted and hours received
Not enough access to day services, and many who attend day centres are seeking additional hours
A home care staffing crisis with recruitment and retention a significant obstacle due to unequal pay and conditions between the HSE and non-profit sector (63% experienced a delay or a reduction in home support due to the shortage of home care workers ).
A major financial challenge for carers as many have reduced their working hours or left their work to provide care. 50% of carers reported having difficulty making ends meet.
A lack of transport is a barrier for 21% of carers and 27% of people with dementia in attending services, and a particular issue in rural areas.
The report also showed the significant health and emotional strain on people resulting from the shortage of services:
58% of respondents with dementia rated their physical health as below average, and 31% rated their mental health as poor
55% of respondents with dementia said they had felt lonely in the past week
34% of carers reported below-average physical health, and 43% reported below-average mental health
43% of carers had visited a healthcare professional in the past month on account of their health.
A significant need for greater access to dementia day care and home care is illustrated throughout the report. Further specific recommendations included:
Increase services that provide companionship, stimulation and support to the person living with dementia with the dual benefit of providing respite to carers (such as Day Care at Home, befriending and home support )
Invest in free psychotherapeutic services for people living with dementia and carers to address deteriorating mental health, including counselling services and facilitated support groups
Standardise home care rates of pay and benefits and introduce meaningful career progression opportunities to address the care staffing crisis.
