“It was very helpful listening to other people talking openly and sincerely about their problems – it helped because I thought I was the only person with that particular problem,” according to Michael Kilcoyne who recently participated in a clinic led by the Memory Assessment Support Service (MASS) in Sligo. Michael explained how he had been “referred to the memory clinic by my GP. It was a six-week course. The occupational therapists were great - they knew exactly what my problem was. I learned a good few tips and I thought it was a very well worthwhile course to attend.”

Located in the Sligo Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons Ambulatory Hub at Woodhaven, Strandhill Rd,  Sligo, the HSE MASS team is part of the wider integrated care team for older persons. This service provides supports for people under and over the age of 65 who are experiencing cognitive issues and/or suspected onset of dementia.

According to Dr Catherine Dolan, Consultant Co-Lead, MASS, Sligo, the service is provided on an integrated basis: “I work in conjunction with my colleagues from the acute hospital, community mental health and older persons services. We are very proud in Sligo to have this new memory service.

“Every patient who comes to our service is connected to a nominated key worker and given a tailored care plan. Social and physical activities are very important for brain health and our patients have improved emotional health, good sleep, and good quality of life.

“One of the most important features of this service, as I see it, is not just the assessment and diagnosis, it's how we all work to provide supports for people on their journey with dementia. And it’s how we support their carers too. We all know that every dementia and medical journey is completely different - people have different needs at different times.”

Dr Dolan further noted how the service provides “education and support around dementia itself, but also links people into various local services and signposts them to various agencies as deemed appropriate.”

The Sligo service is one of nine services funded under the Enhanced Community Care programme. The MASS team in Sligo is a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including occupational therapists, clinicians, a dietitian, psychology services, nursing and medical staff. The MASS in Sligo accept referrals from hospital clinics and mental health clinics. They plan to open referrals to GPs on a phased basis once all the necessary resources are in place.

Their work involves carrying out a comprehensive assessment where there are concerns about suspected dementia or a mild cognitive impairment. The MASS team also provides post-diagnostic support and follow-up through a specialist dementia post-diagnostic service and a brain health service.  This ensures that each individual is provided with a comprehensive care and support plan.

Patients are seen in the hub, in acute settings, or in their home according to clinical need. Clients have reported positive outcomes following engagement. The service provides an opportunity for the person, along with their families or carers, to discuss any concerns following their diagnosis. It also allows for the MDT to provide further therapeutic interventions and guidance as required.

The MASS service in Sligo has had over 350 referrals per year since it became operational in July 2022.

Watch Michael Kilcoyne outline his experience on YouTube.com