Dementia-inclusive event to be held in Virginia. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland's (The ASI) Friends of ASI is hosting a dementia-inclusive community event in Virginia Show Centre at 7pm tomorrow night.
Furthermore, the event will highlight how communities, businesses, and local services can play a vital role. Moreover, this role includes creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with dementia and their families.
Indeed, one of the speakers on the night will be Anita Smith. Anita is a family carer whose husband Jim is now 77. Jim received his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis ten years ago.
Anita said: "Although we had noticed a cognitive decline, it was still a shock to get the diagnosis."
She retired early from her job as a nurse to care for Jim full-time and describes the journey as physically, emotionally, and psychologically demanding: "
Anita emphasised the difference that support from The ASI and her local community has made. Jim now attends the Cavan Day Care Centre twice a week, something Anita calls "an enormous help to me as it gives me a chance to recharge."
Jodie Curran spoke with Anita about the upcoming ASI event in Virginia:
