Learn to care

A nationwide roadshow to raise community awareness of dementia comes to Cork next week.

Irish homecare provider Bluebird Care has launched Understand, Respect and Respond with Care, a national roadshow of community talks to raise awareness of dementia in support of the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign.

In Ireland an estimated 55,000 people are living with the condition with an additional 4,000 new cases developed each year. The roadshow aims to provide people with the understanding necessary to become a community that supports people with dementia both in and outside of the home.

Speaking of the initiative, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Ireland Brian MacGoey said: “In Ireland one in two people know someone who has dementia. People who have had a diagnosis of dementia can live active and meaningful lives in the community and it’s important to learn how best to support these individuals and their families.

“The Bluebird Care campaign is called Understand, Respect and Respond with care. Our aim is to raise public awareness and give people the skills and additional knowledge to respond appropriately to people and their families with a diagnosis of dementia.”

Kevin Quaid, member of the Irish Dementia Working Group and campaign partner said: “The word dementia has a huge stigma attached to it. Many families are either ashamed or embarrassed by a loved one who has dementia. I have chosen to be open about my diagnosis and I hope that openness will help other families. I am delighted to be an ambassador for the Bluebird Care initiative because talking about dementia is so important.”

The free community awareness talks are aimed at individuals with dementia, care givers, health professionals and the wider public.

Understand, Respect and Respond with Care takes place on Wednesday 24 April at 7pm at Northridge House, Castle Road, Mahon.

To register for the talk visit bluebirdcare.ie/dementia-talk-dates.