Work on Limerick village for dementia patients begins

Construction work on Ireland’s first purpose-built village for people diagnosed with dementia has begun in Bruff, Co Limerick.

The company behind the development, CareBright Community, stated it will “change the face of dementia care in Ireland”.

Limerick billionaire JP McManus donated funds to the project which has a build cost of €5.5m. CareBright is currently fundraising to make up the final €980,000 to complete the project’s construction phase.

The specially-built community will be set on a four-acre site in central Bruff, and will “provide independent living with a strong sense of community for those living with dementia”.

CareBright said it aims to create “a safe, happy, and energising environment which will enhance the lives of everyone who experiences the community”.

When construction is completed, the development will feature 18 homes, each of which will have a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and private garden. There will also be a day care service available on site, as well as a cafe, beauty salon, gym, men’s’ sheds, and gardens.

The project is based on a dementia community development already operating at De Hogeweyk, Holland.

CareBright said that based on its research on best practise models, it found small-scale household models have a positive impact on the quality of life of people living with dementia: “This model reinforces quality care and provides a more pleasant place for people to live. The staff adapt the approach they take with residents which goes against routinised care and the development of institutionalised cultures.”

Colette Ryan, CareBright general manager, said: “People living in this community will feel safe and included. It will be a place where they will flourish.

“Imagine having your own new home, where you will be surrounded by all the things you love and cherish, that favourite chair, family photos, music you love and enjoy, a comfy bed with no alarm clock buzzing at 6am.”

She added that family and friends of residents will be able to stay overnight in the purpose-built homes.

Residents will be able to pay to use the development under the “Fair Deal” scheme.