Alzheimer Society of Ireland Launches Free Training Courses for Family Carers

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has announced a series of free Family Carer Training Courses for those supporting loved ones with dementia. The courses will be available nationwide in the lead-up to and following National Carers Week, which runs from 9 to 15 June 2025.

With an estimated 64,000 people living with dementia across Ireland, including 7,509 in Cork alone, the need for accessible training has never been greater. More than 180,000 people in Ireland are currently caring for or have previously cared for someone with dementia.

Course Details

The ASI will offer two primary training programmes:

• "Insights into Dementia - Informing and Empowering Family Carers": A seven-week course beginning 27 May in Kildare and Louth
• "Home-Based Care: Home-Based Education": An online course starting 7 July, available to participants nationwide

Led by experienced ASI tutors, the training adopts a person-centred approach, providing practical skills such as understanding dementia progression, improving communication, and accessing vital information. Participants will also receive emotional and peer support throughout.

Personal Experiences

Entrepreneur and ASI Ambassador Pamela Laird, whose father Sylvester has dementia, shared the impact of the course on her family:

"Dementia can be extremely isolating for families. The Family Carer Training Course gave not only practical advice but also emotional reassurance. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has been invaluable to families like mine, and I encourage others to reach out for the incredible support they offer."

Ann Flynn from Co. Dublin, who cares for her husband Francis diagnosed with young-onset dementia at age 59, described her experience: "When we got Francis' diagnosis, we were devastated."

After completing the "Insights into Dementia" course in 2024, Ann noted, "Before the course, I felt like a boat drifting in a troubled sea. But since completing it, I feel calmer, more informed, and stronger. I now have a wealth of resources to help me navigate Francis' condition."

She added, "The course made me feel less alone, and I would advise any family carer struggling with dementia to just do it. Keep an open mind, you will definitely learn something."

Expert Perspective

Dr Fergus Timmons, Learning & Development Quality, Growth, and Innovation Manager at The ASI, emphasised the importance of these courses: "Many family carers are quietly facing the daily challenges of supporting someone with dementia. Our courses offer practical skills and the confidence to address these challenges. National Carers Week highlights the vital work family carers do every day, and we encourage people in Cork, and across all counties, to contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to register their interest and take the first step toward getting the support they need."

Registration Information

Places for courses are limited, and demand is expected to be high. To register or learn more:

• Email: familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie
• Call: 1800 341 341
• Visit: www.alzheimer.ie

The ASI is proud to be a partner for National Carers Week 2025, which is coordinated by Care Alliance Ireland.

About Dementia in Ireland

• There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, projected to double to over 150,000 by 2045
• 11,000 new cases of dementia occur in Ireland each year, approximately 30 people daily
• Most people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community
• One in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65
• The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum

The Alzheimer National Helpline offers information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Additional support is available via email at helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie.