The Cuimhne Carers Project focuses on creating culturally specific resources for family members caring for Irish people living with dementia to help them with a demanding role for which there is little preparation or external support.
The project consists of a large reminiscence resource, a carers online forum and a series of free webinars for carers and family members, which aim to improve quality of life for those affected by dementia.
The reminiscence materials suggest topics and questions to help stimulate people of Irish heritage to talk and be more socially engaged. These cover everything from school holidays and cooking to remedies and washdays. As well as explaining the benefits of reminiscence for people living with dementia, there is also advice about how to manage the risks of reviving unhappy or difficult memories.
There will be a series of weekly webinars addressing many different issues faced by carers. Topics will include practical skills, for example, dressing, bathing and eating, as well as how to approach difficult conversations such as end of life and legal and financial planning.
The new online forum is a place where carers can communicate with each other, discuss issues, share experiences and advice and express how they feel. This is especially important at the moment when lockdown restrictions created by Covid–19 have hit carers particularly hard.
This project has been made possible with funding and support from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Race Equality Foundation.
Irish in Britain’s CEO Brian Dalton said, “This project will offer real support to carers as they support those living with dementia. We are proud that this resource recognises the needs of all those who give their time selflessly.”
Retired health professional, dementia activist and co–founder of Cuimhne Dr Mary Tilki said, “Irish families expect and want to care for their loved ones when they develop dementia. However, they often take on the role of carer suddenly, without the knowledge or the skills they need to help the person with dementia and protect their own health.
“The Cuimhne Carers Project aims to provide, expert knowledge, information and practical advice and especially the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings and learn from others in a similar position.”
You can access the project and find out more HERE.
Some facts on dementia and the Irish community
- It is estimated that because of the older age profile of the Irish community there are around 10,000 Irish people with dementia in Britain.
- Most of this group are living in their own homes, cared for by family members who see themselves as spouses, children or siblings fulfilling their dutiful obligations rather than “carers”.
- Irish carers, especially Irish Travellers, spend 50–100 hours a week in their caring roles and although they do this willingly, they struggle and often risk their own health and wellbeing in the process.
The Cuimhne (the Irish for memory) Campaign has been running since 2012 and has raised awareness of dementia, supported the development of culturally sensitive community services for Irish people and equipped volunteers and staff with the skills and knowledge to address the needs of Irish people with dementia.