The HSE has welcomed the coming into operation of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Activity Lodge in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, which was officially opened last week.
Designed as a space for people (aged under 65) in Co. Wexford living with young onset or early stage dementia, the Activity Lodge is located at the Castle Gardens Retirement Village, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy.
The Activity Lodge is the completion of a project involving the Alzheimer Society of Ireland working in collaboration with the Wexford Dementia Alliance and the HSE, with support funding from the Dept. of Health.
The Activity Lodge, which has been co-designed by people living with dementia, will have a variety of therapeutic activities that enhance the quality of life of its clients. The range of programmes available there will include art therapy, music sessions, cognitive exercises, gardening and social events tailored specifically for individuals with dementia. It also provides a space for carers to connect with each other and access support, ensuring a holistic approach to dementia care.
The HSE’s Emer Finn was one of the speakers at this week’s official opening ceremony in the Activity Lodge. Emer is an Occupational Therapist, working solely in the HSE’s Wexford Memory Technology Resource Room (which covers all of Co. Wexford). Emer also Chairs the Wexford Dementia Alliance. Addressing the audience at the cermony, Emer said:
“The Wexford Dementia Alliance is a collaboration of health and social care professionals and various organisations involved in the support of people with dementia. These include the HSE, Healthy Ireland, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, Alone, Sage, Wexford Family Carers Ireland, the Gardai and Wexford County Council. Last year, we were delighted to produce the Directory which provides information on many of the essential services and supports available for older adults and their families in Co. Wexford. This year, our focus has been young onset dementia and we are delighted that Co. Wexford was chosen by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland for this development.”
“When a diagnosis of dementia comes, it can feel like life is coming to a stand-still but our experience in working with a young onset dementia group is that the opposite can be demonstrated. It can be empowering and raise confidence to share that diagnosis with others. There is all the more positive a picture in those regards, with the Activity Lodge in place.”
Sally Veale, a Social Worker with the HSE’s Memory Assessment Support Service also spoke at the ceremony, adding:
“Every year, 10 to 15 people in Co. Wexford are diagnosed with young onset dementia. We have found there is a gap as to services that they could access, as many such resources are focused on older people. The conversation that has borne fruit in the provision of the Activity Lodge included the voices of those with young onset dementia and identification by them of supports they required. As research suggests, social connection, physical exercise, life-long learning, good nutrition and creativity can slow the progress of dementia. That is the focus of the Activity Lodge and it is a great boost to all of us to have it in operation.”
Last updated on: 19 / 11 / 2024
