Local Elections 2019
About our campaign
We are calling on all candidates in the local elections to promote dementia-inclusive communities if successfully elected. This support from local representatives is desperately needed to help the 55,000 families that are affected by dementia who are struggling day to day to live with the condition.
A 2018 mapping of dementia specific services in Ireland shows that not only does access to community dementia-specific services vary depending on where you live but no county in Ireland has even a minimum level of dementia support.
How you can get involved
By working together we can raise awareness about the real issues and struggles that people with dementia and their families face daily.
We are asking you to help us in the following ways:
1. Download our voter prompt card and keep this nearby so that when local election candidates call you can ask them about these issues
2. Tell the candidates your story of the reality of living with dementia
3. Ask the candidates to join the Dementia: Understand Together movement and become a Community Champion.
You can find out more about the Dementia: Understand Together campaign here
How can local election candidates support people affected by dementia
We are asking all local election candidates if elected to Promote Dementia Inclusive Communities. Councillors can do this by joining the Dementia: Understand Together movement and becoming a Community Champion.
We are asking local Councillors to:
1. Encourage and support local dementia initiatives
2. Grow awareness of dementia
3. Lobby their own Party to make dementia a priority
1. Encourage and support local dementia initiatives
Action
Local Councillors can identify local facilities where dementia inclusive initiatives can be held and link with local service providers or other Community Champions to offer these.
Why is this needed?
With dementia a growing issue and the majority of those with dementia living in the community, there is a need for a ‘whole community response’ to dementia. There is a lack of formal and informal supports and services such as Memory Cafés, dementia inclusive choirs or a family carer support group. These initiatives enable people to live well for longer in the community.
2. Grow awareness of dementia
Action
Local Councillors can encourage public facing staff e.g. libraries to participate in dementia awareness training. This can be organised with the support of the Dementia: Understand Together team.
Why is this needed?
• The Dementia: Understand Together campaign aims to create dementia inclusive communities through awareness and understanding of dementia. The campaign is encouraging local businesses and organisations to take simple actions which will make a difference in the lives of people with dementia and their families.
• When public facing staff understand what dementia is and the challenges people and their families face, they can serve them in a way that is respectful and appropriate. This ensures that the person with dementia and family carer can continue to interact with and use council services.
3. Lobby their own Party to make dementia a priority
Action
Local Councillors can lobby their own Party to make dementia a priority and the HSE to deliver services.
Why is this needed?
• In the context of a lack of adequate supports and services, it is crucial that there is an all-Party response to treating dementia as a priority and that adequate supports and services are delivered through the HSE.
• Councillors in local communities can also make a difference by supporting those affected in a meaningful way so that people with dementia and their families can live well for longer.
For more information about our local elections campaign contact Avril Easton (Advocacy Manager) on 01 207 3813 or e-mail [email protected]