Professor Suzanne Cahill

Summary

In Ireland we have limited knowledge of the numbers of people with dementia living in dementia specific units. Since 2009 all registered nursing homes in Ireland must undergo regular inspections in accordance with a set of national residential care standards (HIQA,2009). Supplementary criteria for use in dementia specific residential care units have also been developed for use during inspections. These criteria pay particular attention to the physical environment including its design and architectural lay out, the type of meaningful activities and psycho-social interventions available, assessment procedures and staff training. To date no information is available in Ireland on the extent to which these criteria are implemented during inspections or how compliance is monitored. The main purpose of this survey was to collect information on the number and location of specialist care units for people with dementia in the republic of Ireland. The national survey also sought to identify differences and similarities between the different provider types, the HSE or public provider, the voluntary (not for profit providers) and the private sector.

Funding Agency

The Dementia Services Information and Development Centre

Summary

There are two components to this evaluation project. The first consists of updating in accordance with Census 2011 data, dementia prevalence rates in the four geographical areas where the Genio projects are currently taking place. The second component involves an evaluation of the new respite care services being introduced at two of the Genio sites, in Stillorgan/Blackrock and Clonmel. The key objective of the respite evaluation is to examine obstacles and facilitators to the use of respite care services for people living with dementia in the community. Outputs will include a major research report and a seminar or workshop.

Funding Agency

Genio

Project Type

Research Evaluation

Summary

This study which aims to produce a set of guidelines for architects involved in building or retrofitting homes for people with dementia has been commissioned by the Centre for Universal Design at the National Disability Authority. Whilst a lot of attention has recently been focused on customising nursing homes for people with dementia less is known about adapting and retrofitting domestic dwellings for those living with dementia in the community to help them cope better with their disability. This project addresses this task. The work is being jointly undertaken by staff from the DSIDC's Living with Dementia Programme at Trinity College and TrinityHaus. The project involves a literature review, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including people with dementia and their caregivers, a review of Case Studies and a number of workshops. It is hoped that the guidelines developed will help people with dementia to remain living at home safely and securely for as long as possible.

Funding Agency

Centre for Universal Design (NDA)

Project Type

Inter-Disciplinary Research Project

Summary

The primary aim of this programme is to conduct research into optimum care for people diagnosed with dementia. Key activities include the recruitment and supervison of young academics to develop research competencies in areas previously under-investigated in Ireland, the development of collaborative arrangements between care environments such as nursing homes, day care centres and hospitals and research centres and the training of PhD students in the area of dementia care. A seminar series and annual conference with invited national and international speakers is also an integral component of this programme as is the dissemination of research findings. Several of the works published in peer reviewed journals have now been made available to the public in the format of information kits and booklets. These can be downloaded from our website.

Funding Agency

The Atlantic Philanthropies

Project Type

Research and Education

Summary

This research review was commissioned by the government, funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies and undertaken to inform the Department of Health and Children in its development of a National Dementia Strategy. The review was undertaken in collaboration with Professor Eamon O'Shea, from the Centre for Gerontology NUI, Galway. It involved identifying, reviewing, interpreting and synthesizing all relevant national and international research data pertinent to the development of an Irish Dementia Strategy. New dementia prevalence rates for Ireland (current and future) have been estimated and new estimates provided for the cost of dementia care in Ireland. A report titled "Creating Excellence in Dementia" : A Research Review for Ireland's National Dementia Strategy was published in January 2012 and launched by the Minister for Health at Trinity College. This was later followed up by the publication of a guide to dementia for lay people titled - " Future Dementia Care in Ireland: Sharing the Evidence to Mobilise Action, which was launched by Minister Kathleen Lynch in Trinity College in June 2012.

Funding Agency

The Atlantic Philanthropies

Project Type

Research Review