Four dementia demonstration sites were supported by the HSE and Genio to explore, develop and deliver innovative dementia services and supports. As these were dynamic and responsive sites, the development and progress of the various elements were captured in annual evaluations. The evaluation of year one examines the workings of the Dementia Programme in 2013, the first year of operation, and its impact in relation to the public awareness of dementia, diagnosis, community-based supports, integrated provision, and sustainability. The report also covers the relevance and implications of the programme over the coming years for public policy and its role in heralding and showcasing a new, person-centred approach to dementia care in Ireland.

The first year of the HSE & Genio Dementia Programme saw progress being made in improving the lives of people living with dementia across a number of key areas subsequently identified as priority action areas in the National Dementia Strategy. The report highlights the following developments;

• All four sites were found to have increased awareness and understanding of dementia in society through a variety of dementia specific events, education/training programmes and partnerships.
• Different structures in each of the projects have resulted in different pathways to timely diagnosis and intervention and there have been noticeable improvements in personalised care in all sites. 
• Community-oriented individualised supports such as information, social engagement opportunities, support workers, respite care and assistive technologies are being offered to people living with dementia and their families/carers enabling them to live longer at home. 
• Each of the sites has a named point of contact assisting people living with dementia to access information and supports, connecting them to services and providing a more integrated care pathway.
• Living well with dementia requires an acceptance by society of the right of people with dementia to live at home in their own communities for as long as possible and practicable. 
• This acceptance can be achieved provided there is a commitment by government to recalibrate services, resources and funding towards person-centred and integrated community-based care delivered within informed, engaged and genuinely caring communities.