Western Alzheimers
The Western Alzheimer Foundation was founded in 1995 when John Grant saw at first hand the problems facing Carers of Alzheimer Patients in their own homes. Until 1994- 95 the plight of sufferers of Alzheimer Disease was unrecognised, they were like outcasts- nowhere to go, no treatment, no facilities- caring for them was a daunting task for families. It was virtually impossible to get private nursing homes prepared to accept Alzheimer Patients. Families had to do everything themselves in isolation and watch their loved one continue on their downhill road.
Awareness was Nil. Information was not easy to get. Fear and stigma were built around Alzheimer's Disease.
To meet the needs John Grant and the committee of the Western Alzheimer Foundation with the help of Government Funding i.e. FAS set up the first "Sitting" Service covering counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon. Sitters went into the homes of Alzheimer Patients and gave regular weekly breaks to the Carers.
In 1996 the Foundation rented a house and set up a Respite Centre giving one week in six. Respite to families. Having established that the need for Respite was so great the Foundation have built a 10 bed Centre in Ballindine Co. Mayo.
Through constantly working through the newspapers, media, meetings with Government officials, notices to the Medical profession, the Western Alzheimer Foundation has played a major part in the public's increased awareness to the special needs of Alzheimer Patients and their Carers.
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