NOT FOR PROFIT: Towards inclusivity for all

As the prevalence of dementia increases, the Cavan branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates for better services as well as helping improve the lives of people living with the condition and their caregivers.

Carole Beattie is chair of the local branch. In 2005 her husband Jack was diagnosed with dementia. She cared for him for 10 years and recalls: “There really wasn’t very much out there about dementia at the time.”

Today Carole and the local group is on course to making Cavan the first Dementia Inclusive County in Ireland and is facilitating training for businesses and organisations to ensure champions on the ground.

With Ireland seeing an increasing number of dementia diagnoses, the association’s services are more essential than ever.

Observing how much of their services are Cavan Town centric, Carole outlines how they’ve begun to extend their reach with a pop-up Alzheimer cafe in Belturbet, and another planned for Ballyjamesduff.

“We were told recently that the highest percentage of people living with dementia in Cavan are living in [Ballyjamesduff/Virginia], so we feel it important to bring our services where they’re needed most.”

The focus of the local branch is on providing accessible, community-based support, as well as raising awareness about the disease, its challenges, and the importance of early detection.

They also run The Forget Me Not Cafe at Castlemanor Nursing Home. Carole says it’s not just the person living with dementia who benefits, but their families as well.

“It’s a music cafe, and dementia isn’t mentioned in any way at all. What’s wonderful is carers and families can mix as well in a very sociable atmosphere. It is important people know they’re not alone.”

It’s a great way too, Carole says, of linking people with other supports such as their monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month at the CCLD office in Corlurgan, from 7.30pm.

Looking to the future, the Cavan branch is hoping to invest in a smart projector capable of turning any flat surface into an interactive game, specifically designed for those living with dementia, and can be played individually or in a larger group.

Contact us

Greendale, Drumroragh, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan

Carol Beattie (Chairperson)

or Claire Finaly

(Vice Chairperson):

Phone 085-2669542.