SPECIAL REPORT: Dementia in Ireland - Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

We need to plan a healthcare model that provides a continuum of care for our older population, says Tadgh Daly

Within Leinster House, statements, questions, accusations, defences, excuses, and apologies are being offered as we seek answers as to the causes and effects of the economic crisis that brought the country to its knees. The Oireachtas committee charged with asking the questions is largely focusing on whether we should have seen the crisis coming and what pre-emptive measures could have averted it.

For those charged with planning and implementing health policy, there is bountiful ‘evidence’ to provoke action and implement measures beyond the immediate horizon for care of older persons and dementia-specific care. The ‘evidence’ serves a stark warning that, if we fail to plan now, we will be facing a health and social care crisis of significant magnitude in coming years.