All welcome to free dementia information day in Glanmire

HSE South West invites all interested members of the public to a free dementia information day at Vienna Woods Hotel, on Thursday 7 May, from 10am to 3pm.

The HSE South West Cork North and East Community Work Department, working in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland are delivering the free community event, where guest speakers will describe their first-hand experience of dementia. Speakers include:

• Dr Rónán Ó Caoimh: Consultant Geriatrician, Mercy University Hospital
• Kathleen Quinlan: Living with early onset Alzheimer disease
• Sharon Gallagher: Spousal care
• Amy Murphy: Dementia advisor, Alzheimer Society of Ireland
• Ciara O’Neill: Occupational Therapist, HSE South West
• Liz Clarke: Singing for the Brain performance
• Fidelma O’Connell: Community Health Worker, Mayfield Health Action Zone, HSE South West

Information stands and advocacy support will also be available throughout the day, so people living with a dementia diagnosis and their carers can also gain key information on the community-based supports and advocacy services available to them within Cork City and County.

Sorcha Ni Chrualaoich, Principal Community Work, HSE South West, said:

“We are delighted to be able to bring this dementia information day to Cork City, which builds on the success of previous events held in recent years. These events are made possible through collaboration between the HSE and community and voluntary partners and we hope that they will be beneficial to local families living with a diagnosis of dementia.”

Siobhan Johnston, National Co-Ordinator, Dementia Adviser Service, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said:

“At The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, our Dementia Adviser Service signposts people to services and supports they might not be aware of, and we hope that this event will help families find information and supports they might need. It is also very important to hear about the lived experience, so it is wonderful that the insights of people living with dementia and family carers are being included in this event.”

The dementia information day is open to anyone living with a diagnosis of dementia, family carers, Health Care Support Assistants (formerly known as Home Helps), professionals or those with an interest in learning more about dementia.

Booking is required as places are limited. To book your place, please phone or 087 344 4124 or email Elaine.McKoy@hse.ie