Increase in dementia needs addressed says Ritchie

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie today welcomed the hard work that has been done to improve the quality of life for people affected by dementia. Speaking at the first ever conference in Northern Ireland dedicated to addressing the housing needs of people with dementia, the Minister highlighted that the expected 200% increase in dementia needs to be addressed. Margaret Ritchie said: It is vitally important that we recognise the work that can be done to help people with dementia, such as providing appropriate housing, modern technology and an environment which is conducive to an independent lifestyle. I applaud Dementia Services Development Centre in Northern Ireland for organising this inaugural event, which I hope will be the forerunner of many more.At present, Dementia is estimated to affect 16,000 people in Northern Ireland, but it is estimated that this will rise to 20,500 by 2017 and 47,000 by 2051. The Minister continued: Given this anticipated increase of more than 200% in the incidence of dementia, we will have to be pro-active. We will have to be pragmatic. We will have to ensure that provision of accommodation across the spectrum of care, from home to supported housing, public housing provision, nursing home and residential care deals with this increasing trend.My Department will continue to work closely with the Housing Executive, Housing Associations and Health Authorities on this. I am determined that we will continue to work hard to address the needs of the elderly and particularly those affected by dementia. The Conference on Housing, Planning and the Built Environment Getting it Right for People with Dementia was attended by professionals and key players who have a stake in looking after people who suffer from dementia in its many forms ranging from alcohol related dementia to Alzheimer’s disease.