On 15 October: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) attended the launch of Alliance of Age Sector NGO's “Telling It Like It Is” third series – Experiences of older people at end of life, which was hosted by Senator Fiona O’Loughlin at the National Parliament of Ireland in Dublin. The report is based on the findings from the National Care Experience Programme's National End of Life Survey which was Ireland’s first nationwide survey that asked bereaved relatives and friends about the care provided to their loved one in their last months and days of life.
The key issues identified in the report for older people at end of life include clear communication about end-of-life care, access to timely support, care in the community, and bereavement support for loved ones who are grieving. The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs is made up of eight member organisations including The ASI, Active Retirement Ireland, Age & Opportunity, ALONE, COPE Galway, Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and Third Age. Recommendations in the report include renewing the call for the Government to establish an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People. The event was attended by Head of Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs Cormac Cahill; Research & Policy Manager Dr Laura O’Philbin and Communications & Relationship Manager Jocelyn Grant.