The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has opened a new social club in Tralee to welcome people with dementia, their carers and their families.
The Rosemary Day Centre is where people can call in to have a chat, access information and support and meet other people to exchange ideas and experiences. The club will also plan activities, organise outings and allows people with dementia and their carers to meet others in a welcoming, warm and informal setting.
The ASI Tralee social club course will take place every second Friday from 12 noon to 2.00pm, commencing next Friday.
An estimated 2,429 people live with dementia in Kerry and 64,000 in Ireland.
ASI Head of Operations, Siobhan O’Connor, said the social club is a great opportunity for people with dementia, their carers and families to meet others in a safe and warm environment and have fun.
To learn more about the social club, contact the co-ordinator at 066-7180377 or email asitralee@alzheimer.ie.
NEWS IN FOCUS
- There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland and, experts predict, the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.
- There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day and it can even affect people in their 30a, 40s and 50s.
- Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
- Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure and it is social issue that requires a community response.
- Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
- One in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
- The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum. 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is by residential care while formal health and social care services contribute only nine per cent to the total cost.
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