Fall in support for Alzheimer's charity drive

SUPPORT FOR the annual Alzheimer Society’s charity drive has fallen by 20 per cent this year putting services at risk, its chief executive has said.

The charity provides services and support for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, through day care, home care, short-term respite and a national helpline.

Some €4 million must be raised to support the charity annually so that it can deliver its services, but support for the charity’s 15th annual Tea Day, to be held this Thursday, has seen a dramatic decline.

Maurice O’Connell said support for Tea Day had always been strong, but this year they’ve seen a 20 per cent fall-off.

“This is very worrying as it could have a direct impact on our ability to continue current levels of service to individuals and families living with this devastating illness,” he said.

Some 750 families are waiting for the vital community services the charity provides and the gap between funding from the Health Service Executive and the cost of running the services is widening, he said.

Day-care clients are now only receiving an average of 7½ hours a week and home-care clients get only five hours, he said, far below what is adequate to support people at home.

“We must maintain these services, despite the economic circumstances, to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer most,” Mr O’Connell said.

He called on the public to get involved in Alzheimer’s Tea Day by registering on 1 800 719 820 or www.teaday.ie