Alzheimer Society plea for help as COVID stops vital fundraiser
THE Alzheimers Society of Ireland (ASI) has issued an urgent plea for the public’s help after the COVID-19 lockdown forced the cancellation of its biggest annual fundraiser, an event vital to funding the society’s day to day work across the country.
It is estimated that there are 1,848 people living with dementia in Kerry and for every one person with dementia three others are directly affected.
The ASI said that the Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in a perfect storm for the ASI
Alzheimer’s Tea Day – the ASI’s biggest and most important annual fundraiser which was due to take place in every town in Ireland on Thursday, May 7 – has been postponed indefinitely.
This will mean a severe drop in fundraising of €1 million for the ASI.
Meanwhile the society’s 48 day care centres are closed; and its vital supports such as Social Clubs, Alzheimer Cafes and Support Groups are all shut down until further notice.
Most people who are living with dementia are in the high-risk category for Covid-19 and most of their carers - often their husbands and wives - are also older and many have underlying health conditions.
With the majority of ASI’s supports now closed, thousands of vulnerable people are facing this emergency alone, without the supports and constant care that they urgently need.
The ASI continues to support dementia patients and their families via its Home Care, Dementia Advisers; National Helpline and Online Family Carer Training which are all still running.
The society are also introducing new ways of providing support remotely to their clients and their families such as regular telephone calls and activity packages for people to use in their own homes.
In a bid to keep it’s services going – now and after the crisis – the ASI has launched an urgent appeal for vital dementia supports to help them to continue their vital work with people with dementia and their families during the lockdown.
Member of Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN) and full-time carer for her Dad, Brian, Máire Anne Doyle said the help they recieve from the ASI is vital.
“I’ve been caring full-time for my Dad, Brian, since moving home from Toronto for over four years ago. It’s a privilege to be with my Dad, he’s a super guy and a really good Dad. However as his Carer it’s an around the clock task, a stressful one that has taken its toll,” she said.
“The current lack of support and feeling of isolation is phenomenal. Something has to be done. Carers who look after people living with dementia can’t keep struggling. We literally are in crisis here. The home help we get is my only relief and is absolutely invaluable to me and thousands of others,” said Máire.
As part of the ASI’s urgent appeal, members of the public are being asked to make a special emergency donation via www.alzheimer.ie to help provide essential care and support to those living with dementia whose lives are being torn apart by Covid-19.
For more information on supports and services contact the ASI National Helpline which is open six days a week Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm on 1800 341 341 or by email at helpline@alzheimer.ie.