I was delighted to attend the Living with Dementia in Rural Ireland Conference at King House in Boyle, Co Roscommon, this afternoon.
This year’s theme for the conference was Disability and Human Rights with Dementia.
Dementia Ireland was set up by Carmel Geoghegan, who was a primary carer for her late mother.
She is an advocate and supporter of campaigns that keep the spotlight on dementia and end of life care as a national health priority.
She focuses on the development of practice and policies that respect people living with a dementia diagnosis.
During the time Carmel cared for her mother, the lack of basic information, supports and understanding were the most frustrating obstacles that they faced on a daily basis.
Dementia Ireland hopes to help break down the stigma attached to a dementia diagnosis, to build better supports both on a medical level and at a community level.
Events like the conference offer a forum for stakeholders and all those interested in dementia to come together and share their knowledge and experience.
It was an extremely informative afternoon.