DEMENTIA support service providers in Clare are advising those living with dementia to seek support as early as possible.
Fiona Staunton is the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Dementia Adviser for County Clare. In her role, Fiona is the first point of contact for people living with dementia and their families. Having worked with the Society for 14 years, she tells The Clare Echo that early intervention can be vital.
“A lot of times people come to us in crisis when there’s not as much we can do, but if you come to us at early stages we can provide coping strategies, we can give you hints and tips, we’re there to support you and make it easier for people along the journey. They know we’re here for them at different stages, so it’s really important to not leave it too late and come to us as early as they can.”
Fiona stresses that when people come to dementia advisory services, they don’t have to have a diagnosis of dementia, “If they’re worried that they have it they can chat to me and i can visit them or they can come to see me, it’s nice for people to know that’s there for them.”
According to most recent census results, there are 1,700 people in Clare living with dementia and Fiona believes there are many people living with the condition who don’t currently access the supports provided by the Alzheimer Society. “Anecdotally, if you’re in any room and you talk to people, 50-60 per cent of people will know someone with dementia and if you ask them if they use supports, they say ‘no we’re managing’ so it’s tip of the iceberg really.”
Services in Clare include a daycare service in Cahercalla which operates three days a week, where visitors participate in activities, sing-songs, bingo, go for walks, or just chat with piers over a cup of tea. They also provide a home care service and a ‘daycare in the home’ service which was introduced during Covid-19 when people were unable to visit the daycare centre.
“All these services includes activities, it’s very holistic. It’s person centred and it’s based on each person’s individual need,” explains Fiona.
She adds that the impact on families’ quality of life can be “huge”. “I run two support groups, one in Ennis and one in Lisdoonvarna which have had huge interest. We went online for Covid and had an online support groups but when people had a chance to get back together it was just wonderful to see, the support they give each other and for them to not feel alone. You don’t have to explain yourself to people because they’re going through the same thing as you … it’s just a safe place for people to come and chat and get support.”
This year, a social club has been established for people with dementia and their carer or loved one to come to the drop-in service for a cup of tea, a chat, and a song, for two hours once a week in Ennis and Lisdoonvarna. “Because there’s such a lack of carers at the moment, we’re trying to find other ways of supporting people.”
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is also working on various community initiatives. In conjunction with the Family Resource Centre in Kilrush, they are trying to make Kilrush a dementia friendly town through awareness and with the business community, while an ongoing relationship with Clare County Council has led to them breaking ground on making Ennis Town Centre dementia friendly.
Fiona explains, “I’m involved with the Ennis Age Friendly committee, which has been great. When it came to the upgrades on Parnell Street and plans for O’Connell Street, the Council took on board suggestions to make the streets dementia friendly, or age friendly. It’s more about making it suited for everybody like making the seating areas visible, lowering signage and using contrasted colours; making better use of space for people to move around in, that the paths aren’t too high, and that the surface is easy to walk on.”
Fiona is eager to stress that public understanding of dementia, and how we talk about dementia, are extremely important. She adds, “For example, if your Mam has gone for a wander and you don’t know where she is and a neighbour meets her, if they walk back home with her and don’t make a big thing of it – it’s so important we have that kind of relationship with people, and that understanding.”
Dementia Adviser, Fiona Staunton is available to people living in Clare. This service is free and confidential. To contact Fiona call: 087 252 5791 or Email: fstaunton@alzheimer.ie
