Candidates and parties campaigning for the upcoming General Election in Galway have been called on to sign a dementia pledge and keep dementia a priority in the new Government. Over 3,500 people in Galway live with the condition.
Deliver on Dementia – Make a Pledge to Keep Dementia a Priority by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI ) is an election initiative that encourages candidates to address the health and social needs of people with dementia, in particular rural areas so that they can remain at home in their communities.
The pledge gives voters the chance to see which candidates have taken the pledge and are committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers.
The ASI’s Head of Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs, Cormac Cahill stated there is an estimated 3,553 people live with the condition in Galway. He said that the next government needs to keep their momentum and support people with dementia and carers, and urges all candidates to make the oath.
It was also found in 2023 through national research conducted by The ASI in 2023 that 63% of family carers struggle to access essential services, 50% of carers face financial challenges, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet and 33% of those with dementia report insufficient access to necessary services.
The ASI’s Homecare Coordinator for Galway, Mairead Spelman added, "In my work at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, I can see first-hand the difference Government support provides to people living with dementia and the people who care for them. I know that the work that my colleagues and I do makes a real difference to people’s lives. I really hope to see local General Election candidates get behind families affected by dementia and support our dementia pledge."
Candidates can take the pledge at https://alzheimer.ie/creating-change/political-campaigns/dementia-pledge-election-2024/
