AN event taking place at the Stormont Hotel next week is set to raise the bar on dementia support in Northern Ireland, according to the largest provider of assistive technology in Ireland, Fold Housing Association.

The showcase entitled ‘Can you tell the difference?’ will bring together those who design, commission, and deliver dementia services as well as carers, health trusts and patients.

The latest innovative technology will be profiled to demonstrate how those in the early stages of the disease can live independently.

Speakers at the event on Wednesday, November 4, will share their own personal journey with the illness.

In Northern Ireland approximately 19,000 people are living with dementia, a number which is projected to rise to almost 60,000 by 2051.

Speakers will include Bernadine McCrory, Director, Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland, Cathy Mawhinney, Head of Memory Services, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, services users and their carers.

Fiona McAnespie, Fold’s Director of Care Services, said: “‘Can you tell the difference?’ demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives. This event will showcase the range of services Fold Housing Association is already delivering, through collaborative working, to those who have been diagnosed with dementia and their carers.

“These services cover a wide spectrum in community based care and support interventions, namely, TeleCare Assistive Technology, Floating Support, Staying Put and Day Care services through to  Supported Housing and 24-hour Care and Support within both Supported and Housing with Care environments.”

She added: “Dementia is putting major pressure on our health service and it is our priority to make sure that the support is in place to care for patients and offer them solutions to live an independent life for as long as possible.”

The event commences with a networking breakfast at 8.30am and concludes at midday. Places are free but limited.  If you would like to attend please call Janine Weir on 028 9039 7160 or email janine.weir@foldgroup.co.uk.