“Every year in Co Wexford, 10 to 15 people are diagnosed with young onset dementia. We saw that there was a gap in services that they could access, as many such resources are focused on older people. The conversation around this has now borne fruit in the provision of the new Alzheimer Society Activity Lodge, which crucially includes the input and the voices of those with young onset dementia,” according to Sally Veale, a social worker with the HSE’s Memory Assessment Support Service, speaking as the new Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Activity Lodge was officially opened in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford in recent weeks.

Sally outlined how they had identified the supports required and sought to address and provide them through the Lodge. She further explained that, “as research suggests, social connection, physical exercise, life-long learning, good nutrition and creativity can slow the progress of dementia. That is the focus of the Activity Lodge and it is a great boost to all of us to have it in operation.”

Designed as a space for people aged under 65 in Co Wexford living with young onset or early stage dementia, the Lodge is located at the Castle Gardens Retirement Village, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy. It represents the completion of a project involving the Alzheimer Society of Ireland working in collaboration with the Wexford Dementia Alliance and the HSE, with support funding from the Department of Health.

Co-designed by people living with dementia, the Lodge will have a variety of therapeutic activities that enhance the quality of life of its clients. The range of programmes available include art therapy, music sessions, cognitive exercises, gardening and social events tailored specifically for individuals with dementia. It also provides a space for carers to connect with each other and access support, ensuring a holistic approach to dementia care.

Emer Finn, Occupational Therapist, HSE Wexford Memory Technology Resource Room, explained to the gathering at the opening event that “Wexford Dementia Alliance is a collaboration of health and social care professionals and various organisations involved in the support of people with dementia. These include the HSE, Healthy Ireland, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, Sage, Wexford Family Carers Ireland, the Gardai and Wexford County Council.”

Emer, who also chairs the Wexford Dementia Alliance, further added how, last year, they had been “delighted to produce the Directory which provides information on many of the essential services and supports available for older adults and their families in Co Wexford. This year, our focus has been young onset dementia and we are delighted that Co Wexford was chosen by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland for this development.

“When a diagnosis of dementia comes, it can feel like life is coming to a stand-still, but our experience in working with a young onset dementia group is that the opposite can be demonstrated. It can be empowering and raise confidence to share that diagnosis with others. We have a much more positive outlook now, with the Activity Lodge in place.”