Working Life: Amy Murphy, dementia adviser

Amy Murphy, dementia adviser, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Munster.

7am

I’m up early to walk the dogs before work. My children are young adults and fend for themselves.

8am

I check phone messages and emails as new referrals come in daily and existing clients may need me to contact them. I do this from home in Glanworth and plan responses.

Today a family member of a person recently diagnosed with vascular dementia emailed me and I suggest a day and time I could call her.

8.30am

This morning I’m travelling to Limerick to meet a family in their home. I spoke with them on the phone to understand what their needs are.

10am

The meeting involves a man with dementia, diagnosed six months ago, his wife and adult daughter. They’re looking for help dealing with symptoms — for example, short-term memory loss is affecting his ability to do certain things.

The man would like to meet other people with dementia and we discuss options.

We also discuss legal and financial planning. As with every client, we create an action plan setting out next steps.

12 noon

Quick lunch.

12.30pm

I’ve a phone meeting with an occupational therapist in Tipperary. We’re both working with a person with Lewy body dementia and some issues have emerged. We agree next steps and I update my diary accordingly.

1pm

I meet with a public health nurse inLimerick about a person who requires high-level care and support. There is concern about carer stress and burnout.

I will follow up with the spouse to arrange an information session to build their understanding of dementia and to advise about accessing support from ASI’s family carer support group and other services.

3.30pm

Back in Mallow I meet with a woman with dementia in the Memory Room in Mallow Primary Healthcare centre where the Crystal Project has samples of assistive technology. She lives alone and assistive technology could help with daily livingactivities and personal safety.

5pm

I check tomorrow’s schedule and update my diary. I’ve a wonderful job but it requires much forward planning.

To find your local dementia adviser call 1800 341 341 or visit Alzheimer.ie