The Memory Assessment Support Service, or ‘MASS’ team in located in the Sligo Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons ambulatory Hub at Woodhaven, Strandhill road, Sligo.
The 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.
Please click on link to see video of service user Michael Kilcoyne giving his experience of the MASS Sligo Leitrim and of Memory Strategy and Education Group (MESG) of which he took part.
https://youtu.be/OIe7JBKGf-w
According to Michael “I was referred to this memory clinic in Sligo by my GP. It was a six-week course, and the occupational therapists knew exactly what my problem was. I learned a good few tips. It was very helpful to me 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. I thought it was a very well worthwhile course to attend.”
The MASS in Sligo 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, nursing and medical staff. The MASS in Sligo accept referrals from hospital clinics and mental health clinics and hope to open referrals to GPs on a phased basis once all the necessary resources are in place.
They carry 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. Thus, ensuring each individual is provided with a comprehensive care and support plan.
Patients are seen in the hub, in acute settings, or in their home as per clinical need. Clients have reported positive outcomes following engagement with the service. The service provides opportunity for the person, and often their families or carers, to discuss any concerns following their diagnosis and for the MDT to provide further therapeutic interventions alongside information and guidance.
According to Dr Catherine Dolan, Consultant Co-Lead, Memory Assessment and Support Service (MASS) in Sligo “It is an integrated service. I work in conjunction with my colleagues from the Acute Hospital, Community mental health and older person services. We are very proud in Sligo to have this new memory service.
Every patient who comes to our service are 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 main important features of this service, as I see it, is not just the assessment and diagnosis, it's the key working to provide supports for people on their journey with dementia and their carers because as we know, every journey is completely different, and people have different needs at different times.”
She continued “The service provides education and support around dementia itself but also links people into various local services and signpost them to various agencies as deemed appropriate.”
The MASS service in Sligo had had over 350 referrals per year since it became operational in July 2022 of people with dementia, and cognitive impairment along with their family and carers.
Last updated on: 10 / 12 / 2024
