The first purpose-built unit for the care of people with Alzheimer's disease and learning difficulties was opened in north Dublin yesterday by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
The centre, at St Michael's House in Belcamp, will be run by a team of specialised nurses and clinicians to support families and the sufferers themselves as they enter the final stages of Alzheimer's. It will offer 10 residential respite places as well as up to 20 places for respite and therapeutic day care.
"It's the first time a unit has been designed and built with Alzheimer's sufferers' needs specifically in mind," said the unit's director Ms Sandra Keogh.
Mrs Fatma Rashed, wife of the Egyptian Ambassador Mr Ashraf Rashed, presented St Michael's House with a cheque for €50,000.
This donation was the result of the 7th Millennium Ball, the proceeds of which were shared in equal part with the Centre for Children with Special Needs in Cairo.
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