Launch of support book for families and carers of people living with dementia

The Féileacán Bán nursing service model, developed by Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Edel Carey within the HSE, provides post-diagnostic support services from initial diagnosis and throughout the dementia journey for patients and their families.

Grounded in HSE values, this service ensures care is delivered safely, in a rights-based, and person-centred manner within local communities. Féileacán Bán offers services including community clinics, interactive and brain gym home programmes, a memory lounge, education, advanced planning, carer support networks, home visits, crisis intervention, and virtual consultations.

This book, “Féileacán Bán: Capturing Insightful Memoirs,” was developed by Edel in collaboration with the carer support network groups. It is supported by the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Clinical Bursary Award, and aims to encourage families across Ireland to confidently seek support, assuring them they are not alone. The book will serve as an access point and will be distributed in memory clinics and local communities, raising essential dementia awareness.

At the event, ANP Edel Carey emphasised the importance of collaboration with family members, highlighting the critical role families play in patient care. This collaboration fosters stronger partnerships between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, enhancing professional practice and creating a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare environment. Edel noted, “The success of Féileacán Bán has resulted from acting upon patient and family feedback, along with partnership networks across community, public, voluntary, and private sectors. ‘As a practitioner, I learn, I innovate, and I advance Féileacán Bán for the benefit of older people, their families, and the wider community.”

Úna Crawford O’Brien, a Féileacán Bán family care partner, shared experiences on behalf of the group, outlining the challenges faced by those diagnosed with dementia and their families stating, ‘It would be a very lonely journey without such a service’. Úna described how Féileacán Bán has been a lifeline: “The fortnightly meetings are invaluable in dealing with the fears and difficulties we face daily. We can speak openly and honestly with others on similar journeys, knowing we are not judged. We laugh a lot and sometimes cry, but we always feel better going home than when we arrived.” Our message to Féileacán Bán, ‘“Keep on keeping on”!

Loraine Kennedy, Head of Older Persons Services for HSE Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow added ‘the success of the Féileacán Bán service is a testament to Edel’s innovation, effective leadership and commitment to building a network of care and support using patient and family feedback. This success can be clearly measured in the positive outcomes it has produced for patients and their families living with dementia.’

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer (REO) for HSE Dublin Midlands was effusive in her praise for the initiative: “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all who contributed to Féileacán Bán. Your courage in sharing your personal stories has made this book a profound testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It is more than a collection of stories; it is a source of comfort, inspiration and hope that will touch the hearts of many.

The values of the HSE of Care, Compassion, Trust, and Learning come alive it this book, and each person that contributed should be incredibly proud of this. Féileacán Bán offers vital support, compassion, and guidance to those living with dementia and their families, but what truly sets it apart is how beautifully it captures the essence of the support available during these challenging journeys. These remarkable stories will continue to inspire, comfort, and offer solace to everyone who reads them. Thank you to everyone involved in this book for your bravery and for sharing your voices.”