ASI mobile unit reaching out to Cork communities
NUMBERS WITH DEMENTIA SET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE OVER NEXT 20 YEARS
ACCORDING to figures from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) there are more than 55,000 people across Ireland with dementia – a figure that experts believe is set to more than double over the next two decades.
Early signs of the condition often go unnoticed by sufferers and their families, with changes to normal behaviour put down to other factors such as age.
Another problem is that even when the condition is diagnosed, people can find it difficult to access help and support, particularly in rural and isolated areas with limited medical services.
This is an issue that the ASI is addressing through its dedicated Mobile Information Service, a new initiative launched last year.
The unit, which pulled into the Cork Marts Complex at Corrin, Fermoy, on Tuesday, will be visiting other towns and villages across the county over the coming weeks.
Established with funding donated by the Peggy Mangan Foundation the service, which will be run by trained staff and volunteers, is aimed at increasing awareness about dementia in areas that are currently poorly serviced.
The Foundation was established by the family of the late Peggy Mangan, a 67-year-old Dublin woman with Alzheimer’s who went missing in 2013 while walking her dog. Despite a huge publicity and an extensive search, Mrs Mangan’s remains were not found for four days, during which time her dog Casper never left her side.
Determined that no other family would suffer the pain they had to endure, Mrs Mangan’s family established the foundation, setting out to raise €50,000 to fund the new mobile unit.
The unit will visit shopping centres, car parks, farmers markets and community halls in Cork, with staff inviting the public to share their concerns.
Mrs Mangan’s daughter Louise said the Foundation was delighted to be able to fund the initiative.
“We want to use this service to ensure that no-one faces dementia alone and that people are on hand to answer questions and guide people with dementia or those worried about a diagnosis along the best possible route,” said Louise.
ASI information manager Samantha Taylor said the mobile service would act as a vital back up to their dedicated national helpline, which this year alone has received more than 3,000 calls.
“Dementia services can be patchy and uncoordinated and so often families feel alone after receiving this challenging diagnosis and don’t know where to turn,” said Ms Taylor.
“Thanks to this service we will be able to provide opportunities for face-to-face support in local areas offering support, expertise and signposting to relevant services,” she added.
For more information about the mobile service and when it will be available in your area contact the national helpline on 1800 341 341 or visit www. alzheimer.ie.