Budget 2027: Building a dementia inclusive Ireland

Budget 2027: Our Key Asks

The ASI is presenting the Government with investment options for dementia supports and services that enhance availability and ensure access to appropriate supports at every stage and ensure that people with dementia and their family carer can live as well as possible, at home and in their communities for as long as possible.

The ASI is urging the Government to invest €8,238,730 in dementia in Budget 2027.

Pre Budget Submission 2027 – Asks

€240,000 Develop new dementia-specific Day Care Centres
€100,000 Expand capacity in existing Day Care Centres
€716,100 Increase Day Care at Home supports
€6,163,200 Increase Investment in Dementia-Specific Home Care Support
€629,000 Expand the Dementia Adviser Service
€210,080 Fund Activity Groups for younger-onset and early-stage dementia
€75,000 External evaluation of the Activity Clubs
€105,350 Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST)

Everything changed overnight. I had to give up the job I loved, and our whole world was turned upside down. But I’m still me – I still want to live my life and stay connected. What really helps is being around people my own age who understand what I’m going through. It gives you a sense of yourself back. It makes a huge difference, and more people need that kind of support.

Wayne Baron, who lives with Lewy body dementia, attends a young-onset Activity Club run by The ASI

Dementia affects every part of daily life, not just for the person but for the whole family. Access to the right supports at the right time makes all the difference. The support we receive locally is so important, and it’s vital that these services continue to grow so more people can get the help they need. Time makes all the difference. It has been a lifesaver for me. I know I would not have been able to cope without all the wonderful support from everyone at Bessboro.

Katherine ‘Kay’ Martin is a carer for her husband Robert who attends their local ASI Day Care centre

Our Key Asks in Detail

1. Develop New Dementia-Specific Day Care Centres

€240,000 | Develop five new day care centres | 40 clients per week | 2,000 annual attendances

Dementia-specific day centres are vibrant community hubs that offer a warm, welcoming environment where people living with dementia can connect, stay active, and thrive beyond the home. An investment of €240,000 will fund the establishment of five new one-day day care centres where the demand is greatest.

2. Expand Capacity in Existing Day Care Centres

€100,000 | Expand 3 existing day care centres | 20 clients per week | 2,500 annual attendances

To further strengthen community connections through social interaction and structured, person-centred activities, The ASI is seeking €100,000 to expand capacity across three existing day care services: Bessboro, Blackrock, Cork City; Whistlemount, Navan, Co. Meath; and Bethany House, Carlow. This investment will support an additional 20 clients per week, delivering approximately 2,500 annual attendances across the three locations.

3. Increase Day Care at Home Supports

€716,100 | Deliver 21,700 hours | 173 new clients

Day Care at Home is a specialist dementia service delivered by trained care workers who provide one-to-one, person-centred support to individuals living with dementia. The support is activity-based, focusing on stimulation and social interaction. The proposed expansion would support service provision across the country, targeting areas of greatest need and helping to address regional inequities in access.

4. Increase Investment in Dementia-Specific Home Care Support

€6,163,200 | 180,000 additional home care hours ringfenced for dementia

People living with dementia have diverse and complex needs when it comes to homecare. Dementia-specific home support provides person-centred, consistent and continuous care. This care is designed and delivered in partnership with the person living with dementia and their family carer, ensuring support is tailored, responsive and respectful of individual needs.

5. Expand the Dementia Adviser Service

€629,000 | Deliver 8 Dementia Advisers

Dementia Advisers deliver a locally based, personalised service that provides information, signposting, and emotional support to people concerned about their cognitive health, as well as those with a diagnosis of dementia, throughout their journey. The ASI is seeking funding to recruit eight additional Dementia Advisers strengthening access to this vital support nationwide.

6. Fund Activity Groups for Younger-Onset and Early-Stage Dementia

€210,080 | Deliver 10 Activity Clubs

Activity Clubs are among the most valuable social supports for people living with young-onset and early-stage dementia. They provide safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where participants can take part in a wide range of enjoyable and therapeutic activities that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. These include art therapy, music sessions, gardening, and tailored social events and outings.

7. External Evaluation of the Activity Clubs

€75,000 | evidence-based assessment | Ascertain full impact

An external evaluation would provide a clear, evidence-based assessment of the impact of the Activity Clubs. Using a supportive and non-intrusive approach, it would gather feedback from staff, participants, and advocates to build a comprehensive picture of the service.

8. Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST)

€105,350 | Deliver 10 programmes (a programme is 1 x a 24-week session)

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention that supports cognitive function and enhances quality of life for people living with dementia. It combines structured cognitive activities with meaningful social interaction; all delivered within a person-centred framework. Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) sessions are planned to follow on from the completion of the 14-session (seven-week) CST programme and run once weekly over a 24-week period. MCST extends the benefits of the CST over time, helping to sustain engagement and wellbeing.

Launch

On 24th June, The ASI launched its Pre-Budget Submission 2027 calling for over €8 million in investment to address the growing needs of people living with dementia and their family carers.

Staff, Advocates and Board Members attended the event at Buswells Hotel, Dublin. The ASI appreciates the engagement of Ministers, TDs, Senators, and political staff who participated in discussions about the need for investment in dementia supports and services that will ensure that people with dementia and their family carer can live as well as possible for as long as possible.