UCC study looks at home service for those living with dementia in Ireland

25 Jan 2024

It is estimated there are 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. This number is set to double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

• UCC study looked at the Impact of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Day Care at Home Service (DCAH)
• Dr Emma O’Shea Principal Investigator said the evaluation report shows the substantial value of DCAH to the dementia care landscape in Ireland, keeping people meaningfully engaged socially and in activities that they enjoy. Also shows that the need and demand for DCAH services currently far exceeds the supply.
• 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. 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) today launch the UCC evaluation report of their Day Care at Home (DCAH) Service which highlights significant positive benefits for people living with dementia and their families.

The DCAH service is a dementia-specific service delivered by ASI care staff. It fills a critical support gap by providing one-to-one stimulation, personalised activities and socialisation to people living with dementia while offering respite to their families for a set number of hours every week. In 2023 the ASI commissioned an evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of the DCAH Service. This evaluation led by the Research Team at the Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine at University College Cork – followed an analysis of feedback provided by DCAH service users, ASI staff and external stakeholders. The HSE’s National Dementia Services (NDS) provided funding for this research.

Dr Emma O’Shea, Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine UCC who undertook The ASI’s Day Care at Home Service evaluation with her Research Team, said: “This evaluation sought to understand the experiences and viewpoints of multiple stakeholder groups, including people with dementia, family caregivers, ASI staff and management, primary care professionals, and HSE officials. Day Care at Home is one of the first services to truly meet the unique and varied social care needs of people with dementia, and the respite needs of their caregivers, within the clients’ own homes and communities. The evaluation showed that this service adds substantial value to the dementia care landscape in Ireland, keeping people meaningfully engaged socially, and in activities that they enjoy. The main problem identified by the evaluation is that the need and demand for DCAH services currently far exceeds the supply.”

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD said: “The positive outcomes reported in this study reflect the dedication and care provided by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland staff in delivering the Day Care at Home service. Since its initial implementation during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Day Care at Home service has emerged as a vital resource for people with dementia, ensuring they receive restorative care while providing much-needed relief for their loved ones. Since 2021, the Government has invested over €6.5 million in Day Care at Home. Recognising the importance of supporting families affected by dementia, the Government remains committed to funding a variety of supports in this area."

The report can be accessed at Commissioned Research Reports and Publications - Alzheimer

ABOUT DEMENTIA

• 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. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
• 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; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.

Alzheimer National Helpline: 1800 341 341. See www.Alzheimer.ie

For more on this story contact:

Dr Emma O' Shea emma.oshea@ucc.ie