Alzheimer Day Centre faces closure over funding cut

Navan’s Alzheimer Day Care Centre has made an impassioned plea for funds to avert the closure of the centre because of a severe shortfall in HSE funding. Faced with a further slashing in funding from the HSE this year, the branch has warned that the facility could be closed within six months unless it can access additional funds. Ann Marie Russell, chairperson of the Meath Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, explained that funding of €15,000 had been cut in 2010, on top of a €19,000 cut last year. “We apologise for having to go back to the public again this year asking them to dig deep but, unless we can make up the funds, we will not be here in six months’ time,” she said. The threat to the centre would devastate the many families who have loved ones cared for in the facility, many of whom say they will not be able to cope if the centre closes. Some 45 clients avail of the service and the centre provides care for up to 23 clients per day, and is open six days per week. Mrs Russell pointed out that the Navan facility receives 35 per cent of its running costs from the HSE and the rest is financed through local fundraising. “We receive much less than other centres who, on average, receive 60 to 70 per cent of their costs from the HSE. We really didn’t expect to face another cut in funding this year after the huge cut we took last year,” she said. “It is not sustainable at the moment and we are looking for the general public to help,” she said. She added that the centre is a community-based facility and its aim is to allow people to be cared for in the community for as long as possible. “The cuts we are experiencing cannot be sustained without putting in danger the very survival of the day care centre, These cuts are not a saving for the State, but will end up costing the State, and ultimately the taxpayer, through a substantial increase in the need for long-term care. Just two people in long-term care would cost the State the entire HSE grant,” she claimed. “From the best advice available, we are told that, in the future, we will see an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease - increasing the need for more day care facilities,” she said. Pointing out that the facility was currently run on a shoestring, she called on the HSE to reconsider the proposed cut in view of the crisis they are facing. The Minister for Older People, Áine Brady, visited the centre last Friday, where members of the branch and family members outlined their concerns to her over the proposed cutbacks. They said the centre provides specialised and personal day care for up to 45 people, gives respite to families and provides stimulating recreational activites for sufferers. Transportation and meals are also provided for clients who can remain in their home environment in the community. Gerry Hickey, whose wife, Carmel, attends the centre six days a week, said he couldn’t carry on if the centre closes. He lives alone with his wife and, although he receives great help from their family, he fears Carmel would have to go into full-time care if the centre closes. “I look after her because she is my wife and I will continue to do it for as long as I can, but I need back-up and the centre is my back-up,” he said. Carmel, who was diagnosed at the age of 57, seven years ago, is now totally dependent, cannot walk, talk or feed herself and is doubly incontinent. “If the day centre was not available, I wouldn’t be able to keep her at home. The loss of the centre would be a huge blow to a lot of families,” he warned.