‘Committed’ dementia carers recognised

A Belfast carer has been recognised for the 14 years of work she has done for dementia care, at the first Northern Ireland Dementia Excellence awards.

Lisa Forbes won ‘Carer of the Year’ at the event, which was organized by the Dementia Services Development Centre Northern Ireland (DSDC).

Lisa, who is disabled herself, cared for her mother for 14 years after she developed Alzheimer’s, and removed her from an institution to look after her at home until she unfortunately died in December.

Lisa has since written to the Minister for Health, Edwin Poots MLA, expressing her concern for carers and the 19,000 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland.

Mr Poots presented Lisa with her award.

He told award-winners: “It is a mark of how highly regarded you are within your chosen profession that you have received these awards today. Your contribution and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia has been deservedly recognised and rewarded. You have undoubtedly earned praise and recognition.”

Funding for the free awards ceremony was provided by Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Atlantic Philanthropies, who have both committed to a further three years’ funding for the DSDC.

Other awards categories included Dementia Friendly Organisation, Dementia Design Innovation of the Year, Dementia and the Arts and Support Worker of the Year.

More information on the work of Dementia Services Development Centre Northern Ireland can be found at www.dementiacentreni.org.