About Western Alzheimers
Mission Statement
Western Alzheimers is committed; to work effectively to create awareness of the nature of Alzheimer's Disease and its effect on families; To provide In-Home Respite Care; and to provide and maintain homely facilities best suited for the Respite Care and Long Term Care of people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
Western Alzheimers was founded in 1994 when John Grant C.E.O. saw at first hand the problems facing Carers of Alzheimer Patients in their own homes. Until then the plight of sufferers of Alzheimer's 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 was built around Alzheimer's Disease.To meet the needs John Grant and the committee of Western Alzheimers with the help of Government Funding i.e. FAS, set up the first "In-Home Support Service" covering counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon. Care workers went into the homes of Alzheimer Patients and gave regular weekly breaks to the Carers.
Pilot Project: Residential Respite Care
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 built a 12 bed Centre in Ballindine Co. Mayo called Marian House. This unit was commissioned in 1999. In 2001 Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry, Co. Galway was purchased and commissioned. Through constantly working through the newspapers, media, meetings with Government officials, notices to the Medical profession, Western Alzheimers has played a major part in the public's increased awareness to the special needs of Alzheimer Patients and their Carers.
