A third of people living with dementia said they are unable to access the services they need, according to a report publishied recently by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI).

'The Experience of Dementia in Ireland: A Snapshot in Time' found that just 20% of people living with dementia were able to access all of the services they need.
  
The major shortfall was similar among carers with 26% saying they do not have access to the services they need, 52% reported only having access to some services, while just 12% said that their needs were being met.

The research – giving a comprehensive insight into people’s lived experiences – was carried out in early summer 2023 on a base of almost 670 people, including both carers and people living with dementia.

The findings have prompted the ASI to call for the publication of a detailed and multi-annual implementation plan for the new HSE Model of Care for Dementia in Ireland plan, which was published last May.

The ASI’s chief executive, Andy Heffernan, said the report makes for stark reading and while he acknowledged the enhanced investment from Government in dementia-specific services and supports in recent years, he said this was against a backdrop of historical under-funding, rising prevalence and a growing need.