The Irish Times reports that according to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland waiting lists for dementia services have increased by 20 per cent in the last year. Demand for respite, day and home care services has risen as a result of changing demographics and more elderly people developing the illness. In 2009, demand for services increased by a third in a single year.
In its pre-budget submission, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland has called on the Government not to make further cuts to funding for those providing care to Alzheimer’s patients. The society currently receives €11.5 million in funding from the Government.
Last year, its budget was cut by €850,000. The society fears further cuts will mean it will not be able to cope with rising demand rising year on year. The society has also called on the Government to make good its promise made in the Programme for Government to make public a national dementia strategy by 2013.
Dementia has been described as a “demographic timebomb” as the number of elderly people increase as a percentage of the population. It is estimated that 44,000 people today suffer from dementia, including 4,000 under the age of 65. That is due to rise to more than 70,000 by 2026 and 130,000 by 2036.
Society chief executive Maurice O’Connell acknowledged that the Government was in a difficult place financially, but said his organisation was prepared to take a flexible response to funding and service delivery to ensure that any future strategy is delivered successfully.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland’s leading dementia specific service provider with over 100 services across the country.You can contact the Society at Alzheimer National Helpline at 1800 341 341 or www.alzheimer.ie
Be Independent Home Care provide Home Care and Home Help services to those effected by Alzheimers and other dementias throughout Dublin, Kildare and Co Louth.
Click on the link below to view The Irish Times article:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2011/1018/1224305991013