Older Irish people with dementia in England

The Irish community is the oldest minority ethnic community in Britain. Despite an older age profile than general or minority ethnic populations, as well as excesses of mental and physical ill-health and socio-economic disadvantage, the age, poor health and social profile of the community is largely ignored by policy makers and providers. Several of these factors predispose the Irish community in England to a higher incidence of dementia. Unlike other minority ethnic groups with growing numbers of people with dementia, the incidence of dementia is already high. Older Irish people are often reluctant to access mainstream services because they fail to recognise their distinct cultural needs and experiences. Irish third sector organisations provide a range of culturally specific services to older people and their carers and increasingly to those with dementia. This article uses data from a mapping exercise which identifies non-governmental services for Irish people with dementia and their carers, explaining what cultural sensitivity means for them. Changes in the UK government and the ‘Big Society’ agenda pose a threat to dementia services. However prioritising the National Dementia Strategy and revising the National Carers Strategy within this agenda could expand the role of the Irish third sector in England and improve the lives of Irish people with dementia and their carers.