Demensne Day Care Centre

My mother aged 83 years with Alzheimer’s goes to day care in Roscommon.

At the weekend she misses the social contact. In the Roscommon paper we saw an article about the opening of this new facility in Castlerea. I contacted Fiona Beattie and made an appointment to visit. The process was straightforward which is so important when caring for someone as life is stressful enough without reams of application forms to complete.

Fiona was so helpful and spent some considerable time explaining the role of the centre and listening to my concerns about my mother. I brought my Mother round for the first visit and the welcome from all the staff was so warm and friendly I saw my mother relax immediately.

The atmosphere in the centre makes it feel just like an inviting and comfortable room in your own home. All the facilities are there from crosswords to games and more besides. On collecting my Mother she was enjoying a game with other clients and having a great time. Once we got in the car my mother was so happy and content and told me they listened to music and had a lovely day. Only those who care for a relative with Alzheimer’s know how important this is. 

We attend every Monday now and the commute of around 40 minutes is worth it just to see my mother’s face light up when I get her into the centre and she receives such a welcome. My mother loves the fact that everyone calls her by her first name.

I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff and how they have made a difference for my Mother. I have applied to attend the Family Carer Training Programme and would urge all other carers for a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s to join this course.

Anything I can do to make my Mothers time at home more fulfilling and rewarding is the least she deserves!

Ian Hunter