Health Minister honours unsung heroes in dementia care
Thursday, 8 May 2008Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has honoured those working to improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
The Minister was attending the Northern Ireland Dementia Care Awards 2008 in Belfast, hosted by the Dementia Services Development Centre as part of the first International Conference on Dementia.
He presented awards to James Barrow from Antrim, who cares for his elderly wife, and Imelda Graham, director of Newington Day Centre in Belfast.
Speaking at the conference dinner, Mr. McGimpsey said: “As we move further into the 21st century, and as our population progressively ages, the needs of the population are changing. I want our elderly population to be able to live as safely and independently in their own home for as long as possible. For those with dementia, this often presents specific challenges.
“The role of carers is therefore invaluable. They provide support and assistance that enables those with dementia to live as full a life as possible.
“It is a role that I know many willingly adopt but I understand that it is often a very challenging and tiring experience, and carers themselves must also be cared for.
“I am delighted that due to the more favourable budget outcome I was able to secure for health, I can deliver a significant increase in respite places for those with dementia.
“I will also be making more funds available for the community and voluntary sector that will go towards advocacy and carers’ support services.”
Praising the conference’s international dimension, the Minister added: “To improve dementia care, it is important that we can learn and benefit from examples of good practice from across the world.
“It is also vitally important that people with dementia and their carers are involved in the development of services aimed to meet their needs.
“By working together to develop future services, and by bringing innovative and fresh thinking to the table, our health and social care system will be able to bring about real improvements for the benefit of those with dementia and carers alike.”
Notes to Editors
1. The Dementia Services Development Centre for Northern Ireland was launched in May 2007 as a branch of the Centre at Stirling University, whose Director is Professor June Andrews.
2. The Dementia Services Development Centre was set up to provide education and training, consultancy, and library and information services to improve the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families in Northern Ireland. It has been funded for two years by the Atlantic Philanthropies and supported by the team at Stirling University for a two-year period ending in March 2009.
3. The conference title was ‘Embracing the Challenge: Citizenship and Dementia’. Additional information on the conference can be obtained from o.l.thompson@stir.ac.uk
4. The Northern Ireland Dementia Care Awards 2008 are a celebration of innovation and good practice, designed to recognise organisations and individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life of people with dementia in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Dementia Care Awards 2008 winners are:
Outstanding contribution to the field of dementia
Sponsored by the British Association of Social Workers
Presented to Geraldine Browne, Silverdale Care Home
Care home innovation of the year
Sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing
Presented to Lough Neagh Nursing Home
Volunteer of the year award
Sponsored by Alliance Boots
Presented to Bernadette Bell and Susie Harkin
Best innovation in practice
Sponsored by Find Dementia Signage Systems
Presented to TRAIL Laboratory, University of Ulster
Team of the year
Sponsored by Eisai/Pfizer
Presented to Alzheimer’s Society Foyle Branch
5. For photographs of the awards winners, please contact Colm Cunningham on 07960 954242 or colm.cunningham@stir.ac.uk
6. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520636, or out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
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