WITH over 25 per cent of the population in Donegal living within the Gaeltacht, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland Day Care Centre in Gaoth Dobhair plays a vital role in providing dementia-specific care in the region.
First opened over 20-years-ago, the centre is one of over 40 Alzheimer Society of Ireland Day Care Centres now opened again after the Covid pandemic, and the good news for people looking to avail of services is there is increased capacity now available to cater for new clients.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland run Centre provides Day Care, Home Care and person-centred care to clients, their carers, and families.
The modern building is warm and inviting and set against the backdrop of the county’s highest peak, Mount Errigal, towering over the area.
Clients are engaged in a range of therapeutic stimulation activities under the support and guidance of friendly, professional, and caring staff.
The Day Care centre is opened on Mondays and Thursdays under the supervision of Nurse Manager, Mr Kieran Cullen.
“The most important thing for me is that the clients are happy here. They really do enjoy being here with us, and engage so well with the staff, and the range of support and services we offer,” he said.
“The staff make close bonds and relationships with the clients. I am proud of all the staff, who are so committed and engaged in their roles.
They work closely with the clients every day and do so in a professional and empathetic manner,”
“We all get a great sense of satisfaction from the work we do here daily,” he added.
The Nurse Manager said the centre currently caters for six clients, but has the capacity to increase this number to eight.
“We cater for a wide catchment area. The clients come in for up to five hours per day, and are engaged in a range of activities and support.
For the families, it is an opportunity for respite which is so important as a carer,” he said.
“The people of the local community are very appreciative and supportive of the work we do here in the Day Care Centre.
“There are 2,451 people living with Dementia in Donegal, with 7,353 Carers, so it is vital that we continue to maintain, and enhance, these key support services.”
The ASI provides 143 hours of Home Care and 155 hours of Day Care at Home support in Donegal.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, also has two specific Dementia Advisers in the county, Dawn Thompson (Donegal North & East) and Mena McGill (Donegal South & West), who are on hand to support not only the person living with dementia but to support their family members and carers.
Anyone wishing to contact the Care Centre in Gaoth Dobhair can do so by ringing Kieran Cullen on (074 95-32166 or087-9189247) or by email kieran.cullen@alzheimer.ie
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