MEMORY TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE ROOMS EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH MEMORY DIFFICULTIES
HSE/Cork Kerry Community Healthcare in collaboration with Baile Mhuire Older Persons services launches Kerry Memory Technology Resource Rooms “It’s about empowering people to engage in meaningful activities, therefore enhancing your quality of life, to enable independence and safety in everyday activities.” Senior Occupational Therapist Catherine Murphy, who runs the Kerry Memory Resource Room, was explaining what people can expect when they visit. Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler recently officially opened the Kerry Memory Technology Resource Room (MTRR) in Tralee, Co Kerry. The MTRR is a collaboration between the HSE/Cork Kerry Community Healthcare and Baile Mhuire Day Services. It showcases assistive technologies and supports that can help people with memory difficulties such as dementia, and their families. 32 | HEALTH MATTERS WINTER 2021
One of 30 such memory technology resource rooms around the country, the Kerry MTRR supports people with memory difficulties to continue engaging in daily tasks and has a hugely positive impact on maintaining their independence and improves quality of life. “Each person is different, so each visit will be tailored to your needs. We wanted to create an environment that is homely and welcoming so visitors can feel at ease when they come into us,” said Catherine. “During your visit we will discuss practical tips to help your memory, by looking at your memory and strengthen areas that you may be experiencing difficulty. Common challenges can include; remembering appointments or events, misplacing the keys
or mobile phone. Many people feel overwhelmed by digital technology like phones and tablets and in the memory technology room we explore all different technology, it may be a light that turns on when you walk past it or simply a reminder checklist at the front door to bring your phone with you. “We will recommend and provide a demonstration of simple equipment that can enable you to keep doing the everyday tasks that are important to you. We also offer emotional support and recommend other services available in the community for you and your family.” The Kerry MTRR is the first purpose- built one in the country and is also an excellent example of how a collaboration between a
