The aim of the HSE & Genio Dementia Programme (2012 - 2018) was to ensure people with dementia continue to lead self-determined lives at home connected to their family, neighbours and community for as long as possible. The programme involved developing and testing a range of personalised, flexible and responsive supports and services. This work was aligned with government policy and supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies. €4.9m innovation funding was awarded to 13 dementia projects around Ireland in partnership with the Health Service Executive Ireland (HSE) and the Atlantic Philanthropies. 

Intensive Home care Packages

In addition, Genio supported the HSE with the implementation of personalised Intensive Home Care Packages (IHCPs), which included sharing learning from the experience around the country of implementing IHCPs for people with dementia and enhancing the integration of services. Genio was also commissioned to carry out a research study on the implementation and impact of IHCPs for people with dementia. A Home Care Package is a set of services provided by the HSE to help an older person to be cared for in their own home. Services provided through an Intensive Home Care Package are flexible, but might include home support hours, nursing care, physiotherapy, respite care etc. to support the person with dementia’s needs.

Findings

Research from the HSE & Genio Dementia programme shows that personalised, community-based services can help people at all stages of dementia remain in their own community for longer periods and can be more cost-effective than residential long-term care options for most people. Findings also indicate that better outcomes can be achieved by adopting a system-wide response. This means increased co-ordination between community-based and specialised services and/or acute hospitals, as well as involving the wider community. See publications below.

13 projects supported

• 9 projects developed community-based supports for people with dementia. Five of these projects focused on supporting people with advanced dementia. This resulted in the development of a community supports model.

• 3 projects developed integrated care pathways in the acute hospital sector for people with dementia.

• 1 project developed a series of ten films designed to address fears about memory loss and dementia to to provide practical advice about brain health.