The carers of people with dementia are reaching breaking point, due to stress, financial worries and the lack of services available to them, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland has warned.

It is calling on the Government to increase funding for dementia-specific community services by €10 million, to enable people with dementia and their carers to live independently in their homes. That sum is the equivalent of a grant of €250 per person with dementia.

“Carers willingly sacrifice their careers, personal lives and financial security to care for their loved ones at home. Many are caring for more than 14 hours per day. However stress, isolation and financial strain, in addition to insufficient training and services, are bringing them to breaking point”, explained the society’s chief executive, Maurice O’Connell.

He said that the Government needs to recognise dementia as a health priority in Ireland and increase investment in this area, particularly in relation to community services.

“Targeting investment of €10 million in specialist dementia training and additional community services would have a significant positive impact on people living with dementia at home”, Mr O’Connell insisted.

A recent survey of carers by the society found that over half of respondents had to stop working or reduce their working hours to facilitate their caring. Insufficient services, a lack of any training and the necessity to pay for additional caring services despite concerns about income, were highlighted by those struggling to manage.

“Dementia is the greatest health issue facing older people in Ireland. We know that the numbers of people and carers impacted by the condition are going to increase significantly in the years to come. These people have the right to live with dignity, respect and quality of life at home if they want”, Mr O’Connell said.

Almost 40,000 people in Ireland are affected by dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common cause.