‘If one person has dementia then the whole family suffers’

New Alzheimer's daycare centre opened.

A new Alzheimer's daycare centre in Cavan officially opened its doors last Friday. The facility, which will provide specialised care and support for people with dementia and respite care for their carers, has a capacity of between 12 to 14 patients per day and also contains an award-winning garden. The centre will offer various activities and programmes to promote cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and physical activity.

Minister Heather Humphreys was on hand to officially unveil a plaque to mark its opening.

One of those availing of the service is Robert Soden from Cavan Town. His wife Hilary says the centre is “fantastic”.

“It offers such a great break for me and Robert loves it. He might go into it in bad humour but he comes home in great form. I can go for a swim or visit a friend. A couple of hours’ respite is good for us.

“My daughter said one evening when he came back, ‘I wonder what they do to him’ because he's always so good when he leaves. He has a lot of frustration. Before coming here we tried several things to help him but nothing worked. He uses it once a week so we're hoping we can increase this - if we could use it even one more day it would be great.”

Important day

One of those involved in setting up the centre is James Nevin, who serves as treasurer of the Cavan branch of the Alzheimer Society and is on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI). He explains the significance of the new centre.

“It's a very important day for us. It has been totally renovated to meet the requirement of this post-Covid era. Covid had a huge impact on society, so it's important that the centre is able to comply with it. Social distancing is still a big concern, there are new requirements for isolation rooms that we didn't have before. It's going to be an issue in care facilities going forward, we have to be careful in relation to distancing.

“It's also an opportunity to open our award-winning dementia-friendly garden which we have developed from 2018. It's won several national awards and we're really proud of it. We have 12 to 14 patients at any one time, we have patients as far as Redhills, Killeshandra, and Ballinagh.”

A break

One of those who work with service users and their families on a regular basis is Elaine Kearney, an Alzheimer advisor with ASI.

Speaking to the Celt, she explained the benefit of the new centre: “It's hard to talk to families and not be able to offer services. The person with dementia can come here and get cognitive stimulation, and a chance to socialise and it also gives a chance to the family to have a break.”

She also elaborated more on her own role within the society.

“I work with families and people who get a diagnosis throughout their whole journey. People have a lot of questions and these may change as the condition changes. We link in with them as needed. I talk to them about things like different medical terms, what services are in the area, and how to link in with the services. I also give advice on certain behaviours, how to get extra services.”

An aspect of dealing with patients and families she regularly deals with is helping them to plan for the future.

“I deal with things such as appointing a power of attorney, advanced health care directives, fair deal, and long-term care. I also go out into the community to raise awareness and let people know you can live well with dementia.”

Elaine's number is on the ASI website and she can also be contacted through GPs and public health nurses.

Olivia Rooney, a nurse manager with ASI says patients and their families all really enjoy the experience and says there is a need for more such services in the area.

“I think there is a huge need for more services, for the sufferer and the families. If one person has dementia then the whole family suffers. We give meaningful activities that are person-centred. They get hot meals, go for walks in the park and they go away feeling like they have had a meaningful experience.”

Speaking at the launch Minister Heather Humphreys said it was an “honour” to open the centre.

“It brings me such joy to see a community come together and create a safe space for people with dementia and their families and carers to access support and services. This new centre will make a huge difference to people living within my constituency, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the ASI in the area.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Brendan Smith said, “I compliment the Alzheimer’s Society, both locally and nationally, on the opening of the new day centre in Cavan.

“These services are an important support for people with dementia. Substantial funding to upgrade this centre came through the good work of my colleague, Mary Butler TD, Minister for Older People and the HSE.”