An innovative research project, which will result in the development of a national framework for palliative care in dementia, has been launched.

According to the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and Baxter Foundation, who are funding the pilot project with the full support of the HSE, palliative care is usually associated with end-of-life care for people with cancer.

Recently launching the project, based on the IHF/HSE report Palliative Care for All: Integrating Palliative Care into Disease Management Frameworks (2008), which clarifies that people with other life-limiting illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory disease and dementia also have palliative care needs, Mr Maurice O’Connell, Chief Executive of the Society said dementia is one of the most significant life-limiting conditions facing older people in Ireland.

“Because of the nature of the illness family carers play a unique caring role for their loved-one. However, they often feel isolated and disconnected when their loved-one is in the final stages of the condition,” he commented.

Clare Mental Health Services for Older People secured €100,000 in research funding over two years to develop the framework following a national competition.

Meanwhile, Cavan General Hospital has opened a new area for bereaved relatives to visit patients who die in its emergency department (ED) in a dignified manner, as part of the Hospice friendly Hospitals (HfH) programme.