Alzheimer tree offers people opportunity to share a memory of a loved one

THE Alzheimer Society of Ireland has launched a Virtual Memory Tree to give people the opportunity to share a memory and dedicate a message to a loved one.

By lighting up a star on memorytree.ie, people can keep their memories alive while also helping the ASI to support the 500,000 people in Ireland whose families have been impacted by dementia.

The society will be dedicating the star on top of the Virtual Memory Tree to all of those in the wider ASI family – those who used their services, attended day care centres or helped advocate

Una Caulfield (59), from Drumcondra, is a member of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN), which is supported by the ASI.

She left a heartfelt message in memory of her mother Mary (94) who passed away in September of this year.

Una was a full-time carer for her Mum following her dementia diagnosis seven years ago.

Una recalled: “Caring for Mum in our home was something my family and I really wanted to do. It wasn’t always easy but we are so glad we did it.

“The house is so empty now without her and we really miss her. This will be our first Christmas without her in 24 years and we are thinking about all of the fun times we had together.

“It’s so nice to keep her memory alive in this way on the ASI’s Virtual Christmas Tree,” Una added.

“This is a verse from a poem that my friend wrote about my Mum and her sister and friends have told how they feel it really captures her spirit.

“It reads: ‘And Oh! The Laughter! What did we laugh at? The music, songs and stories. Tales of the ordinary. Rich ones in the telling become richer’.”

The ASI is the national leader in understanding and providing dementia-specific supports and services.

With a national network of over 120 specialist services, 900 staff and 300 volunteers, each year they provide almost 900,000 hours of community-based, dementia-specific care throughout Ireland.

You can share a memory in different ways:
• Keep memories alive: Share a memory of a loved one who has sadly passed away
• In your thoughts: Share a memory of a loved one you haven’t seen in a while
• Times of joy: Share a memory of someone during a happy time or a time of celebration.

How to Share your memory: Visit memorytree.ie; share a memory of a loved one and donate to the ASI.

For more information on supports and services during this challenging time, contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline where you can now also book in a one on one session with a Dementia Nurse or Dementia Adviser.
The Helpline is open six days a week, from Monday to Friday 10am–5pm, and on Saturday from 10am–4pm on 1800341341.

Email the helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie