Alzheimer Society opens new day service on Cork's northside

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has officially opened its new dementia-specific day service at Teach Mhuire, Mayfield.

The opening, on Tuesday, March 31, marked an important step in the organisation’s ongoing mission to ensure that every person living with dementia in Ireland has access to vital support services.

Officially launched by Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell, TD, the new service is aimed at people living with young onset dementia (under 65) and early-stage dementia. One in 10 people in Ireland who are diagnosed with dementia are aged under 65 and there are approximately 4,000 people in Ireland with young onset dementia.

An estimated 7,509 people are living with dementia in Cork, and approximately 64,000 people nationwide are affected by the condition. Speaking at the launch, Mr O’Donnell TD said: “The Government is committed to improving care services for people with dementia, and I am confident this new day service will be of great benefit in Mayfield and the surrounding area.

“The ASI is a valued partner of Government and the HSE in the delivery of dementia services, and together we will continue our shared endeavour to support people with dementia and their families so that they can live well at home and in their own communities for as long as possible.”

Sharon Gallagher is the full-time carer of her husband, Seamus, who was diagnosed with young onset dementia at 59 years of age. They attend the service once a week.

Ms Gallagher said the service has made a hugely positive difference to their lives: “The day service in Mayfield has given my husband a focus, joy, and a sense that he has achieved something worthwhile in his day.

“Thanks to the wonderful carers at the centre, he gets the opportunity to enjoy time spent dancing, laughing, flower arranging, yoga, and being out and about on their many social outings.” 

The service also provides vital respite for her, she said: “Since attending the centre, my husband is transformed and long may his face light up with joy on a Tuesday morning.

“It is such a valuable service for a wife who wants to see her husband happy and who appreciates the few hours to breathe and just be herself.”

Siobhan O’Connor, The ASI’s head of operations and community engagement, added:”We are thrilled to officially launch our newday service aimed at people living with young onset dementia and early-stage dementia in Mayfield.

“It is absolutely vital that we continue to provide services that cater for different stages of dementia and for people of different age groups. I want to express my gratitude to both government and HSE for helping us to provide this service and expand our presence in Cork.”

For more information about The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and its services,visitalzheimer.ie.