The development of legal safeguards to protect the individual rights of people with dementia must be introduced, Labour MEP Ms Bernie Malone told the conference. She said that by the year 2020 Ireland would have nearly 15 per cent of its population over 65, with an EU average of 20 per cent. The rate of dementia in the over-65s is currently estimated at one in 20.
Ms Peggy Maguire, director of the European Institute for Women's Health (EIWH), highlighted the fact that there was no specific legislation regarding people with dementia in most EU member-states, although there were laws relevant to individual rights.
"In Ireland, under the Powers of Attorney Act 1996, a person can execute an Enduring Power of Attorney. This allows people the freedom to choose the person or persons to act for them if they are incapable of taking care of their own affairs. Unfortunately, in the absence of an Enduring Power of Attorney, then the only other remedy is Wardship proceedings."
She explained that wardship proceedings are governed by the Lunacy Act 1871, "with all its negative connotations". These proceedings are also very expensive and slow, she said, and often lead to disagreements among those concerned.
"That is why it is vital that families are educated about early diagnosis and treatments available while allowing them every opportunity to make decisions and arrangements for continuing care.
"There is a moral onus on the Government to institute a range of care and housing options which would allow dementia patients to remain at home or in the community for as long as possible. The `person-hood' of the dementia patient must be emphasised and treatment and care should be focused on preserving the quality of life for patients and maintaining their dignity."
There was an urgent need to improve the quality of life and independence of dementia sufferers.
"One of the ways in which this could be achieved would be the establishment of a centralised agency in order to defragmentise care. This would simplify procedures for carers and provide a central contact for interfacing with relevant agencies."
She said there was a need for the co-ordination of effort among dedicated policy-makers, service planners, care providers and consumers in order to address the fragmentation of services.
Turning to the issue of carers, Ms Maguire said that regular respite care and emergency support for home carers, who are themselves subject to stress-related physical and mental illnesses should be provided.
"Carers have one of the most difficult tasks in our society. The report recommends training programmes for voluntary and paid carers to enhance the level of care."
Training courses should cover areas such as making the home safe for dementia patients, managing incontinence, feeding and bathing, time and stress management, recognising non-dementia illness, dealing with aggression and maintaining patient independence. Counselling services to help carers cope with depression and the stress of care are also needed.
Ms Maguire said there was a need for more research and better education campaigns into the issue of dementia.