Community first in North Kerry as Listowel embraces becoming a Dementia Inclusive town
Together with staff of the HSE South West in Tralee, 27 local services, businesses and organisations have worked collaboratively over the last three years to help increase awareness and improve support for those living with dementia and their families, which will allow them to feel welcome and connected to community life.
Reflecting on the importance of this partnership, Dolores McElligott, Team Leader Community Worker HSE South West, had the following to say:
'Dementia is not just a health issue, it's a social issue and requires a community response. Most people with a diagnosis of dementia are living in their communities; it's vital that they can continue to avail of local services and be able to remain active and engaged. We're so delighted that the community here are committed to making the town an even more welcoming place for people with dementia and their families.'
Listowel resident, Karen Carmody, whose father has dementia, added:
'Dementia can be a long, lonely and isolating journey for those with a diagnosis and their loved ones. As someone who has a loved one living with Dementia, I know how important it is to live in a community that genuinely cares about the illness, and the issues that arise. This is a hugely important initiative and it really does make a difference in the day to day lives of both the person with dementia, and the people that care for them.'
Sharon Boyle, a checkout and news supervisor at Garvey's Supervalu in Listowel, further highlighted the importance of offering community support to people living with dementia when she said:
'I just think everyone should keep their independence and be able to come in, do their shopping, have a chat with us. We're there for everybody in the community. I think it's vitally important.'
There are more than 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and this number is expected to more than double to over 150,000 by 2045.
The HSE's national Dementia: Understand Together campaign works with people all over Ireland to build dementia inclusive communities. These communities, such as Listowel, aim to help people living with dementia and their families to be understood, respected and valued. It helps them to stay socially connected and engaged in community life, and to access businesses, services and amenities that understand their needs.
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The Dementia Inclusive Listowel project was launched in late 2022. The members meet regularly, provide information, advice, resources, and connect businesses and services together. They have hosted dementia awareness-training workshops for more than a hundred people and organisations based in and around the town.
Since launching, more than 250 people have attended public information evenings on dementia and brain health. This is a long-term project, with a commitment from the community to keep the conversation, education and understanding going.
Finbarr Mawe, Chairperson for Dementia Inclusive Listowel and Ard Chúram Day Centre explained:
'We've had great support from the people and businesses working with the Listowel Business and Community Alliance, and we know first-hand just what that means to the people living with dementia in our community and also their families. People with dementia are valued members of the Listowel community, and we're delighted to celebrate all of the hard work of the committee and the town.'
To learn more about the work of Dementia Inclusive Listowel, and how you can work towards building a dementia inclusive community where you live, visit www.understandtogether.ie/get-involved or email understandtogether@hse.ie
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