he Alzheimer’s Society is the leading care and research organisation for people with all forms of Dementia, their families and carers. It provides information and education, advocacy and counseling, support for carers and quality day, home and respite care. It provides quality dementia training for healthcare professionals and promotes good practice in dementia care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
In November 1999 the Newry Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society launched the Outreach Service. The Outreach Service is based at Ballybot House in Newry and aims to provide support and information to people with dementia and their carers in the Newry / Mourne area and through direct contact visits in the family home.
The newly appointed outreach worker for the Newry / Mourne area is Mrs Frances Mc Mahon, she has been out and about promoting the service to encourage usage and referral. Frances has worked in various areas of the caring sector from elderly, to people with learning difficulties, and more recently with child accident prevention.
There are approximately 17,000 people with dementia in the province and it is estimated that 500 of those are in the Newry / Mourne area and are mostly cared for at home by family, relatives and friends. A diagnosis of the illness can be distressing and overwhelming for both the individual and their family. The service exists to respond to the questions and concerns of anyone whose life has been affected by dementia.
In addition to one-to-one support the outreach service also provides Carer support Groups. These groups give family carers an opportunity to meet other carers in similar situations and a chance to share their experiences and problems in an understanding and confidential setting.
Carer training courses comprise of six sessions and are run once or twice a year on a weekly or fortnightly basis. A range of subjects relating to dementia care are covered, including communication skills, legal and financial advice, managing challenging behaviours, the availability of local services and stress management.
Your local Alzheimer’s Society Branch
As well as providing this outreach service your local branch organises carer’s outings, fundraising events, public meetings and provides presentations on dementia and the needs of carers to schools/colleges, Women’s Groups, Nursing and Residential Homes on request.
If you are worried about someone who is becoming confused or caring for someone with dementia –
Maybe we can help.
The Alzheimer’s Branch carer’s support group’s meets:
The first Tuesday of every month
8.00 – 10.00pm
Ballybot house
28, Cornmarket
Newry
For further information contact:
Frances Mc Mahon
Newry Branch Outreach worker
Alzheimer’s society office
28, Cornmarket Newry
Newry
BT35 8BG
Tel: 028 3025 6057: Mobile No: 07713 084595 Fax No: 028 3026 0929
