Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Health Needs of Persons with Dementia and the Services Available: Discussion

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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That is a good note on which to end the meeting. For anyone with a loved one in this situation, it is about where to go next. It is good there is a go-to place for supports and to find out they are not alone. Other people have been through or are going through this. There are different forms of dementia and different approaches. There is reminiscence therapy. We did not mention taste and smell but they are helpful triggers.

On the legal implications, if a simple roadmap is drawn up, that may be something the committee could follow up with the Minister, as part of the information that needs to get out to ordinary people.

I thank the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Family Carers Ireland for their engagement with the committee. I particularly thank the witnesses and their organisations for the work they do in our communities every day of the year. They carry out fantastic work. I hope the meeting is the start of a conversation. It was useful for us as Oireachtas Members and also for people watching. I hope they are more aware of dementia and the supports out there if people need them.