This publication from the Health Service Executive & Genio is the first comprehensive Community Supports Model for People with Dementia in Ireland. Although informed by international learning, this model is a unique Irish innovation and draws from the experience of four key demonstration projects undertaken across Ireland from 2012-15. The focus of this work has been on dementia, but the learning from the model also has potential for all older people's services and other service areas in Ireland and internationally.

By distilling the learning and innovation from early demonstration sites, the key components of a comprehensive Community Supports Model can act as a catalyst for change and apply at scale in Ireland. The model puts people with dementia and their families at the centre of service design and demonstrates an approach which engages with the wider community and mainstream services, as well as health and social care services.

This offers a potential alternative to residential care and focuses on supporting people at home in their own communities for as long as possible. An important feature of the demonstration projects has been the opportunity to ‘reshape’ the expected interaction of people with health and social care services, helping ensure people get the right supports, in the right place at the right time.