On Wednesday 27 February Calderdale Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a new version of the local strategy, which explains how people affected by dementia will be supported.
The Calderdale Dementia Strategy was first agreed in 2009, ensuring that the growing numbers of people with dementia get the help they deserve. This was developed by Calderdale Council, NHS Calderdale and the South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust, in consultation with carers and people with dementia.
After the progress made in the last three years, the strategy has now been refreshed, following a major review carried out in 2012 by Calderdale’s Adults Health and Social Care Scrutiny Panel who published a report entitled ‘Dementia- A Bold Approach’, which took a detailed look at the borough’s services for people with dementia.
Dementia is a growing problem in the UK. It is estimated that 1 in 20 people over 65, and 1 in 5 over 80 are affected by dementia. Over 670,000 people in England currently live with the illness, and this number is expected to double over the next 30 years.
It is with these growing numbers in mind that Calderdale Council has agreed its ambition for Calderdale to become a Dementia Friendly Borough by April 2014.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Care, Cllr Bob Metcalfe, said:
“Dementia is a growing concern for many people in Calderdale today. The ageing population means more and more people will be affected by the illness, either directly, or as a carer for a loved one.
“Calderdale Council is committed to increasing the awareness and understanding of dementia, and improving care for everyone affected.
“Our ambition is to transform Calderdale into a borough where all people with dementia and their carers continue to receive the advice and support they need, enabling them to live more fulfilling lives. “
A 2009 national government report called ‘Living Well with Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy’ outlined the Government’s plans to improve dementia care in the UK within the next five years.
The newly refreshed Calderdale strategy supports priorities from both the national report, and the Council’s ‘A Bold Approach’ report, including the importance of early diagnosis and improved quality of care in the community, hospitals and care homes.
The new aims pay close attention to the patient and carer’s journey through the stages of the condition; supporting investment in early diagnosis, and maintaining the importance of patients remaining in the familiarity of their own home for as long as possible.
For more information about dementia visit The Alzheimer’s Society(external link)|