In 2013, the Alzheimer’s Society estimated that there were 10,727 people with dementia in the North Wales region. They estimate that there will be 2,307 people with dementia (all age group) in Conwy. This presents a clear challenge for the future that we must be prepared to meet.
In Conwy we want people living with dementia to be able to live fulfilled, meaningful lives. We want them to feel safe and supported in their communities and to be sure that there will be flexible care and support services wherever the dementia journey takes them to meet their own unique wishes and feelings. We also want to support those who are caring for people with dementia enabling them to continue in that caring role for as long as they want to.
Our vision for the future is one where Health, Social Care, the 3rd and independent sector providers all work together to provide services that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals affected by dementia.
We want to develop an outcome-focused approach to supporting people with dementia and their careers. The implementation of the National Integrated Assessment Framework last year provides an opportunity to ensure joint assessments of need take place and that there is a shared approach to risk management.
What’s changed?
We have recently established a new group – The Conwy Dementia Partnership, which aims to promote the wellbeing of people living with dementia in Conwy and their carers. More specifically the Partnership will evaluate and develop the services that already exist for people with dementia and identify and plan innovative new services to meet existing and future needs. Membership of the Partnership consists of representatives from Health, Social Care, and the 3rd and Independent Sector providers.
As the group is relatively new, their first piece of work involved a mapping exercise looking at a person’s journey along the dementia pathway. The purpose of this exercise was to identify services already in existence and to also identify possible bottle-necks or gaps in service areas/support. Part of this mapping exercise involved a public consultation event where we offered members of the public the opportunity to tell us what they think. The event was very well attended and we have already identified some areas that need developing – primarily in relation to the provision of respite care. Conwy County Borough Council have also written a Draft Market Position Statement in relation to dementia services. Two Council Members have taken on the role of Carers Champions. They will ensure Carers issues are considered through all the work of the Council and will also contribute to policies and procedures in relation to Carers.