Welcome to Newry & District Branch
The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research organisation for people with all forms of Dementia, their families and carers. It provides information and education, advocacy and counseling, support for carers and quality day, home and respite care. It provides quality dementia training for healthcare professionals and promotes good practice in dementia care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
In
November 1999 the Newry Branch of the Alzheimer's Society launched the
Outreach Service. The Outreach Service is based at Ballybot House in Newry
and aims to provide support and information to people with dementia and
their carers in the Newry / Mourne area and through direct contact visits
in the family home.
The
newly appointed outreach worker for the Newry / Mourne area is Mrs Frances
Mc Mahon, she has been out and about promoting the service to encourage
usage and referral. Frances has worked in various areas of the caring
sector from elderly, to people with learning difficulties, and more
recently with child accident prevention.
There
are approximately 17,000 people with dementia in the province and it is
estimated that 500 of those are in the Newry / Mourne area and are mostly
cared for at home by family, relatives and friends. A diagnosis of the
illness can be distressing and overwhelming for both the individual and
their family. The service exists to respond to the questions and concerns
of anyone whose life has been affected by dementia. In
addition to one-to-one support the outreach service also provides Carer
support Groups. These groups give family carers an opportunity to meet
other carers in similar situations and a chance to share their experiences
and problems in an understanding and confidential setting
Carer training courses comprise of six sessions and are run once or twice a year on a weekly or fortnightly basis. A range of subjects relating to dementia care are covered, including communication skills, legal and financial advice, managing challenging behaviours, the availability of local services and stress management.
Your local Alzheimer's Society Branch As
well as providing this outreach service your local branch organises
carer's outings, fundraising events, public meetings and provides
presentations on dementia and the needs of carers to schools/colleges,
Women's Groups, Nursing and Residential Homes on request.
If
you are worried about someone who is becoming confused or caring for
someone with dementia -
Maybe
we can help.
The
Alzheimer's Branch carer's support group's meets: The
first Tuesday of every month 8.00 -
10.00pm
Ballybot
house 28,
Cornmarket Newry
For
further information contact:
Frances
Mc Mahon Newry
Branch Outreach worker Alzheimer's
society office 28,
Cornmarket Newry Newry BT35
8BG
Tel: 028 3025 6057: Mobile No: 07713 084595 Fax No: 028 3026 0929
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