Following the publication of a new report entitled Creating Excellence in Dementia Care carried out by Trinity College Dublin, Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane is calling for more support for people with dementia and their carers. She is also calling for greater public awareness to provide information and to reduce the stigma attached to dementia.
Cllr Ruane said: “Dementia as an illness is underfunded, hidden, and is not a priority even though 42,000 people suffer from dementia, that's more than cancer or heart disease. This figure is set to treble in the next 30 years with more than 4,000 diagnoses every year. Over half live at home and most of them have never been formally diagnosed. In fact, early diagnosis is the exception rather than the rule. The report estimates that 50,000 family carers are looking after someone with dementia and that two thirds of all long-stay residents have dementia, many not having a formal diagnosis.
“These are staggering statistics and highlight the need for action. The Government has promised a dementia strategy by 2015 but this strategy must be resourced and delivered on, and not just a paper exercise like the carers’ strategy which still has not been published. Other EU countries including England have well developed strategies focusing on early diagnosis, training, and improving quality of life and care for people with dementia.
"We must plan to ensure proper services are in place for sufferers and their carers. We need to see a greater commitment in terms of early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. The issue of training and resources for GPs and health professionals must be addressed. A public awareness campaign in our communities is needed to address the issue of stigma and dementia, and to provide information for sufferers and carers. Emphasis must be placed on home based care and informal care by family, friends, and neighbours must be recognised and supported. Dementia must be made a priority.”
