The Genio Trust is bringing the experience it has gained in the disability and mental health field to
working with older people with dementia.

By 2026, the number of people who are over 65 years of age in Ireland will have almost doubled to an estimated 767,300 and will constitute 16.4 per cent of the population.

We have begun a pilot project aimed at improving services and supports to older people with dementia. Funds amounting to €4m have been committed to this project (€2m from Government and €2m from the Atlantic Philanthropies).

By utilising our knowledge and relationships Genio will work with the HSE and the Office for Older People in the Department of Health to ensure that these funds are used to support pilot projects in a number of areas around Ireland.

These projects will work to identify, mobilise and develop community-based supports with the ultimate aim of enabling people with dementia to remain at home living full lives.

Genio will work to capture evidence of effectiveness and analysis of their impact and develop a learning exchange which will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practice.

This collaborative effort between the Office for Older People, the Department of Health; the Health Service Executive; and Genio, supported by the Atlantic Philanthropies, will inform emerging policy and resource reconfiguration in the development of dementia services.