Book: Finding Relevant Information

1. Introduction

2. Overview

Equipping yourselves with knowledge and information about available services and supports is so important for family carers. Take a look at our video below which showcases our Day Care Centre, at Whistlemount, Navan, Co. Meath.

Video available at: https://youtu.be/Gn09xY4lS7I

3. Family, Friends and Neighbours

Don't be afraid to approach family, friends and neighbours for help and / or support.

It is important (though not always easy) to put a support structure in place before your situation becomes too stressful or difficult to manage.

Strategies for Asking for Help

• Make a list of things that are causing you stress or that you need help with 
• List out the people in your family / friends network that may be able to provide support
• Think about the best time to ask for help
• Use your verbal and non-verbal communication skills - pleasant and matter of fact
• Be prepared for hesitance and / or refusal
  

4. Financial Supports and Entitlements

There is a whole range of financial entitlements and supports available to family carers in Ireland.

These depend on certain factors and some (Carer's Allowance) are means-tested.

You will find more details and application forms provided in the links below.

Website: Citizen's Information - Overview of Payment to Carers

Website: Citizen's Information - Carer's Benefit

Website: Citizen's Information - Carer's Allowance

Website: Citizen's Information - Carer's Support Grant

For readers in Europe, please consult EuroCarers - European Association Working for Carers

5. Community Organisations

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland offers a range of supports and services. These include the following (click on each link below for more information):

National Helpline 

Dementia Adviser Serivce

Social Clubs

Alzheimer Cafes

Home Care

Day Centres

Respite Care

Family Support Groups

Family Education Programmes

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Family Carers Ireland

Offering a range of supports and services for family cares across the country.

Western Alzheimers

Offering a range of services to care for families affected by Alzheimers / Dementia in the western part of Ireland.

Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSIDC)

DSIDC work to promote excellence in every aspect of dementia care. They offer a number of services and provide a range of resources.

6. Private Home Care

There are a range of formal care providers available.

Please note: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland does not endorse any of these organisations and the website links are provided for information only.

Bluebird Care

Comfort Keepers

Caremark

Heritage Home Care (Dublin)

7. Public Health Care

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides home helps and public health nurses.

HSE - Services for Older People

HSE - Information for Carers and Relatives

8. Legal Services

You may need to make sure that your loved one's legal affairs are in order, especially as dementia is a progressive condition.

It is important that there is a will in place to ensure your loved one's wishes are recorded correctly.

An Existing Power of Attorney is a legal document that sets out who your loved one would like to manage legal, financial and certain care provision.

Please get legal advice on these technical and legalistic matters.

Website: Free Legal Advice Centre

Website: Citizen's Information - Power of Attorney

9. New Legislation in Ireland

The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 which was enacted in late 2015 will have important ramifications for people with dementia and their families.

The Act provides a statutory framework for individuals to make legally binding agreements to be assisted and supported in making decisions about their welfare, property and affairs.

This is seen as being particularly important for somebody with dementia. In the past it was often assumed that the person with dementia lacked capacity to make informed choices regarding key life decisions. The 2015 Act

• repeals the outdated Lunacy Regulation Act 1871
• empowers persons with dementia to make key decisions (rather than assuming they cannot do so)
• introduces a more flexible and functional definition whereby capacity is assessed only in relation to the matter in question at the time in question
• assumes everyone can make a decision unless the contrary is shown
  

10. Financial Advice

You might need to get some independent financial advice to help you plan for the future. There are a whole range of Financial Advisor Services available that will provide advice and information about various savings and investment schemes.

Website: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission - Choosing a Financial Adviser

Website: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission - Money

11. Additional Training

You might be interested in further education and training regarding Alzheimers and dementia.

The Dementia Elevator offer a fully online course called Dementia Coping Skills for Families and Carers.

Aimed at family carers and health care assistants, the foundation module will provide practical and staged information for carers about how to deal with their own emotions and those of the person with dementia. Participants will also learn approaches in cognitive stimulation, training and rehabilitation.

Medium:   Online with downloadable resource pack.

Suitable for:  Carers/family members/friends of people with dementia, health care assistants, health and social care professionals.

Course: Coping Skills for Family Carers

FutureLearn have a number of courses about dementia, including the four week course The Many Faces of Dementia. These are free online courses which use video and forums to communicate with learners.

Please share your experiences regarding getting the right information at the right time, or if you have any questions relating to information post them up on the How do you find relevant information? forum. Thank you.