The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) marked National Carers’ Week 2020 (8-14 June) in early June. The ASI used the opportunity to recognise, support and respect family carers, because “they have been the hidden heroes throughout the Covid-19 pandemic”, it said.
Although all events were run virtually and using social media, The ASI marked Carers’ Week 2020 by taking the opportunity to:
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highlight some of our key carer support services which have been adapted in recent times to support families caring for a loved one with dementia
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highlight the experiences and voices of family carers
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use media opportunities to discuss the invisibility of family carers during this pandemic and even before Covid-19
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hold a successful open online meeting for family carers with over 30 participants to mark the week.
The ASI is fully aware, through research and from new information from its Dementia Advisers, its new online Dementia Nurse Service and via calls to its National Helpline, that the pressure points on family carers of people with dementia is increasing and is reaching critical levels. The Covid-19 health crisis has been a “perfect storm” for carers of people with dementia with the closure of The ASI’s day centres in particular, along with social clubs, Alzheimer cafés, and face-to-face carer trainings. Many carers have nowhere to go and no respite from the relentless demands of caring and the work to keep their loved ones stimulated.
Pictured: Members of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN)
