Republic of Ireland Dementia Support Organisations

1. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Temple Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Phone: (01) 207 3800 Email: info@alzheimer.ie Website: alzheimer.ie

The national lead organisation providing advocacy, research, and policy leadership for people living with dementia and their families. Supports a network of regional centres and local branches across Ireland. Use the Services in My County tool on alzheimer.ie to find local day care centres, home care providers and support groups in your county.

2. ASI National Helpline Freephone: 1800 341 341 Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm Email: helpline@alzheimer.ie Website: alzheimer.ie

A free, confidential service providing information, support and guidance for any dementia-related query. Also available via Live Chat on the ASI website Monday to Friday 10am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

3. Family Carers Ireland Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Freephone Careline: 1800 24 07 24 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Email: careline@familycarers.ie Website: familycarers.ie

The national charity dedicated to supporting Ireland’s 500,000 family carers. Provides essential supports through a national network of 22 centres including information and advocacy on rights and entitlements, advice on care planning, crisis support, networking groups and help accessing respite breaks.

4. Care Alliance Ireland Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7 Phone: 01 874 77 76 Email: info@carealliance.ie Website: carealliance.ie

The National Network of Voluntary Organisations supporting Family Carers. Works with 95 member organisations to provide better information and supports to family carers. Runs an online Family Carer Support Group offering peer-to-peer support, coffee mornings, book clubs and other activities accessible to carers anywhere in Ireland.

5. HSE National Dementia Services Email: dementia.office@hse.ie Website: hse.ie/dementia Service Finder: understandtogether.ie

The government body responsible for implementing the National Dementia Strategy and co-ordinating dementia services across Ireland. The Understand Together service finder allows carers to search for local dementia-specific services by county or type of support. Your Public Health Nurse is a key contact for accessing home support and respite services.

6. Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSIDC) Top Floor, Hospital 4, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8 Phone: 01 416 2035 Email: dsidc@stjames.ie Website: dementia.ie

A national centre of excellence in dementia care committed to best practice across all aspects of dementia treatment and support. Provides specialist information and resources for carers, families and health professionals.

7. Citizens Information Freephone: 0818 07 4000 Website: citizensinformation.ie

A free and confidential service providing clear, accurate information on your rights and entitlements as a carer in Ireland. Covers the Fair Deal nursing home support scheme, Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, home support services and other government supports relevant to dementia caregiving.

Practical Notes for Irish Carers

• Sudden changes may not be the dementia progressing If you notice a significant increase in confusion or agitation that appears within hours or a day, do not assume the dementia has worsened. Common treatable causes include urinary tract infections, which often present without fever in older people, dehydration and constipation. Contact your GP or call the ASI Helpline on 1800 341 341 before concluding the condition has changed.
• Finding local services Support in Ireland is highly localised and varies considerably from county to county. The most reliable way to find what is available in your area is the Services in My County tool on alzheimer.ie, or call the ASI Helpline who can direct you to local day care centres, support groups and home care providers specific to your Eircode.
• The Fair Deal scheme If residential nursing home care becomes necessary, the Fair Deal scheme provides State support with the cost. Navigating the application process requires significant lead time and careful financial planning. Contact Citizens Information on 0818 07 4000 or your local HSE office early, before a crisis point is reached.
• Early-onset dementia If the diagnosis occurred before age 65, the ASI provides specific information and supports for younger-onset dementia, recognising that the financial and family pressures involved differ significantly from late-life diagnoses. Ask the ASI Helpline specifically about younger-onset supports when you call.
• A critical note for Lewy body dementia If the person you are caring for has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, this diagnosis must be clearly communicated to all medical staff before any new medication is prescribed, particularly antipsychotics. People with Lewy body dementia can have severe and life-threatening reactions to medications that are routinely used for other forms of dementia. Never assume this information has been passed on between providers.
• Legal and financial planning Power of Attorney must be put in place while the person living with dementia still has the legal capacity to do so. That window narrows as the condition progresses. Contact a solicitor experienced in elder law as early as possible. Citizens Information can provide initial guidance on the options available.Support exists for you too Carer burnout is a recognised health risk. Family Carers Ireland’s 24-hour Careline on 1800 24 07 24 and the ASI Helpline on 1800 341 341 both exist to support carers as individuals, not only the person living with dementia.