SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH MEMORY LOSS

Galway East TD and Minister of State for Community Development Seán Canney has applauded the groundbreaking work of those offering support for people coping with memory loss and dementia.
His comments followed a recent visit to the Memory Technology Resource Room at St Brendan’s Community Nursing Unit in Loughrea.
Minister Canney said: “These services are a tremendous resource. We also have them in Tuam and at Merlin Park in Galway.
“They provide a vital function in showing people with memory issues – and their families – what technologies are available to help alleviate and improve their condition.
“People may not be aware of the many options they have that can help them either live independently or have a better quality of life.
Anyone interested in using the service needs to make an appointment for an occupational therapist or other healthcare worker to meet them at the room, where they will be shown a range of products designed to help with memory loss.
These include: Remote monitoring systems, sensors that detect a fall; stand alone aids such as electronic calendars, medication reminders, talking clocks and watches, night lights with sensors and voice recorders; and low tech solutions such as door signs.
Resource workers also demonstrate quality of life ideas and devices, such as talking photo albums, life history books, memory boxes, easy to operate mobile phones, big button remotes and extra large playing cards
The unit does not sell any of the products but serves as an information resource to let people know what is available to help them.
Minister Canney added: “Memory Technology Resource Rooms offer both practical help in terms of suggestions but also comfort for people and their families who may be coming to terms with a developing condition. Essentially they realise there are supports out there and they are not alone.”
The service was set up following the launch of the National Dementia Strategy in 2014 and it is free to everyone over 18 with dementia or memory difficulties.