Virginia set to host dementia inclusive community event

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (ASI) Friends of ASI is hosting a dementia-inclusive community event in Virginia Show Centre next Tuesday, May 27, at 7pm.

The event will highlight how communities, businesses, and local services can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with dementia and their families.

One of the speakers on the night will be Anita Smith, a family carer whose husband Jim, now 77, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago.

“Although we had noticed a cognitive decline, it was still a shock to get the diagnosis,” said Anita, who retired early from her job as a nurse to care for Jim full-time.

Anita describes the journey as physically, emotionally, and psychologically demanding.

“You realise you cannot do this on your own as you feel exhausted, sleep deprived and anxious.”Anita also emphasised the difference that support from the ASI and her local community has made.

Jim now attends the Cavan Day Care Centre twice a week, something Anita calls “an enormous help to me as it gives me a chance to recharge".

The couple also regularly attend an Alzheimer’s Café, and Anita highlights the crucial role of their community: neighbours who sit with Jim so she can take a break, and friends who bring him to the local Men’s Shed, where he’s welcomed with understanding and care.

“It’s not easy caring for my partner with dementia; we’re losing more of the man he was. I’m glad to have the wonderful support of Day Care, family and friends. It’s so good to be supported as we journey into the unknown.”

Siobhan O’Connor, Head of Operations and Community Engagement at the ASI said:

“Local communities play a crucial role in creating supportive environments for people living with dementia. The Friends of ASI initiative helps foster these connections, bringing together communities, businesses, and local services. This event in Virginia will spark important conversations on how we can all contribute to building a dementia-inclusive community, and we encourage everyone to attend and learn how they can help.”This is the second Friends of ASI event to be held in County Cavan.The Friends of ASI is a dementia-inclusive programme; includes training, awareness, education, and services.

The initiative is working alongside the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign, which encourages community members and people living with dementia to make their communities more dementia-inclusive.