'Dementia affects every part of daily life'

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has called on the government to invest more than €8.2 million in community dementia services as demand for specialist supports continues to grow across the country.

Launching its Pre-Budget Submission 2027, A Clear Path to Better Community Supports – Building a Dementia-Inclusive Ireland, the charity is seeking an additional €8.23 million to expand dementia-specific day care, home care, support services and programmes for people living with young-onset dementia.

The organisation says the investment would improve access to community-based services while helping people with dementia remain in their own homes for longer.

More than 64,000 people are currently living with dementia in Ireland, a figure expected to rise to 150,000 by 2045. Around 11,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year, including those under the age of 65 with young-onset dementia.

The submission outlines eight funding priorities, with the largest allocation, €6.16 million, earmarked for an additional 180,000 hours of dementia-specific home care. Other proposals include funding for five new dementia day care centres, expanding capacity at existing centres, increasing the number of Dementia Advisers, supporting Activity Clubs for younger people with dementia, and extending Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programmes.

Chief Executive of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Andy Heffernan, said Budget 2027 presents an opportunity to strengthen dementia services at a time of increasing demand.

“Demand for services continues to rise as the number of people living with the condition increases year on year,” he said. “Through targeted investment, we can deliver more personalised, community-based care while ensuring people can access the right supports at every stage of their journey.”

The organisation is also seeking €100,000 to expand capacity at existing dementia day care centres in Cork, Meath and Carlow. According to Head of Operations and Community Engagement Siobhán O'Connor, the investment would create approximately 2,500 additional attendances each year and help reduce waiting lists.

“Dementia-specific day centres provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can stay connected, engage in meaningful activities and live well for longer, while also offering essential respite for family carers,” she said.

The impact of these services was highlighted by family carers and people living with dementia who shared their experiences as part of the campaign.

Ray Nooney, whose wife Pat attends the Multyfarnham Day Care Centre in Westmeath after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, described the difference local support has made to their lives.

“Dementia affects every part of daily life, not just for the person, but for the whole family,” he said. “Pat enjoys attending the day centre, and it gives me time to rest and take care of things at home, knowing she is in safe and caring hands. Access to the right supports at the right time makes all the difference.”

The submission also places a strong emphasis on younger people living with dementia. The charity is seeking €210,080 to establish 10 Activity Clubs specifically for people with young-onset and early-stage dementia.

Wayne Baron from Lucan, Dublin, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia at the age of 52, forcing him to leave his job as a head chef. He now attends one of the charity's young-onset Activity Clubs.

“Everything changed overnight,” he said, “I had to give up the job I loved, but I'm still me. Being around people my own age who understand what I'm going through gives you a sense of yourself back. More people need that kind of support.”

His wife, Siobhán, who balances part-time work with caring responsibilities, said the diagnosis had transformed family life.

“You're still raising a family and planning for the future when suddenly everything feels uncertain,” she said, “Knowing Wayne has somewhere he feels comfortable and understood makes such a difference. It gives him something positive, and it gives me the reassurance I need to keep going.”

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland says the proposed investment would build on commitments already contained in the Programme for Government, improving access to specialist dementia supports and ensuring people with dementia and their families receive appropriate care in their communities as demand continues to increase.