Four years ago, Mary Toland’s world changed when her husband, Dermot, was diagnosed with dementia.
‘Contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’ was the guidance from Dermot’s consultant at St. James’s hospital memory clinic.
It turned out to be the best advice she could ever get.
Mary, an artist based in Gortahork, had taken on the role of Family Carer for Dermot after he was diagnosed with two types of dementia — Frontotemporal and Alzheimer’s.
“Dermot said at the time that although it was a devastating result, he was actually relieved to know what was ‘wrong’ with him,” Mary said.
She credits the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and her local community for carrying them through the journey so far.
Mary described The ASI’s support as a “lifeline.” After contacting the organisation’s helpline, she received invaluable information, accessed online resources and support forums, and completed the Family Carer Training course.
“All along our journey, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has supported us.”
Mary will be a guest speaker at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI)’s Friends of ASI dementia inclusive community event at Jackson’s Hotel, Drumboe Suite, Ballybofey on Tuesday, 19th November at 7 pm. The event aims to increase understanding about the condition, and encourage people, businesses, and services in Donegal to create a dementia-inclusive community.
Community support is a vital part of navigating the challenges of dementia, Mary says.
“We live in a small rural community in West Donegal and have experienced such wonderful community support; that instinctive caring for each other and acknowledging each other means so much.
“Ar scath a chéile a mhaireann muid.”
As Dermot’s disease progresses, he has moved to a care home, where Mary says they are “receiving amazing support.”
The dementia inclusive community event follows the launch of similar events in several counties across the country.
Head of Operations and Community Engagement at The ASI, Siobhan O’Connor said: “The Friends of ASI initiative has received an overwhelming response, with many eager to learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and how they can support those affected by the condition. This event in Donegal marks the initiative’s first venture into the Northwest; The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is thrilled to bring this important conversation to the community.”
Carol Molloy Regional Operations Manager at The ASI, said: “Dementia can be an isolating condition; for the person with the diagnosis and for their families. Communities play a crucial role in helping people live well with the condition; I encourage everyone who can to join us on 19th November and show their support for those affected by dementia.”
Friends of ASI is a dementia-inclusive programme. It includes training, awareness, education, and services and aims to encourage people, businesses and services to create a more nurturing and accepting environment for people living with dementia and their families in their community. People living with dementia are among the most marginalised in our society and can often face social exclusion and stigma.
This initiative is working alongside the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign. Dementia: Understand Together, a national partnership between The ASI, HSE, Age Friendly Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Dementia Services Information and Development Centre and Healthy Ireland, encourages community members and people living with dementia to make their communities more dementia-inclusive.
The ASI is dedicated to providing ongoing support for people with dementia and their families in Donegal. The organisation offers a range of services in the County, including Day Care, Home Care, Social Clubs, and a Dementia Adviser service.
Jackson’s Hotel is located at Glenfin St, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, F93 RD40
For more information about this event and the Friends of ASI dementia inclusive community initiative, please contact friendsofasi@alzheimer.ie or visit alzheimer.ie
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