Improvements to dementia care support services across the city are to be introduced to help people diagnosed with the condition, and their families, to live as independent lives as possible.
A key set of recommendations have been outlined, based on a wide-reaching review carried out into the support available for people with dementia, and their carers, in Stoke-on-Trent.
It was carried out in response to the fact that the number of people affected by the condition (currently more than 3,000 in the city) is expected to rise significantly over the next few years and is focussed on post‑diagnosis support, integration of services and the sustainability of care for carers.
The review, undertaken by the council’s Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, looked at how this support is currently provided by the authority’s adult social care team, health service partners and support organisations.
It took into account the lived experiences of many of the people living with dementia in the city - as well as their families and others who support them on a day-to-day basis.
This included how needs are met for different groups of people with dementia - for example, those with Down Syndrome or from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
And it gathered extensive evidence from social care professionals, health and commissioned partners, and voluntary sector organisations (including the Alzheimer’s Society, Approach Dementia Support, Dougie Mac, North Staffs Carers, ASIST Advocacy and the Beth Johnson Foundation).
Changes recommended in the review - that are set to be implemented are:
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Encouraging GPs to refer people living with dementia (and their carers) to specialist organisations such as Dougie Mac and Approach Dementia Services. Research suggests the importance of social interaction for those affected by dementia in that physical, mental and social activity can help slow the progression of symptoms of dementia.
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Helping people who receive a diagnosis of dementia to be connected to social prescribers – organisations who connect people to non-medical community activities, groups, and support services - to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare.
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Creating a one-stop-shop services hub to help people living with dementia as well as their carers access support, information, activities and carer assistance. The proposal is to operate it from Marrow House, in Longton, the assisted living residential care home for people with dementia.
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Providing dedicated advocacy services – to ensure people living with dementia can access timely support to help individuals understand their rights and make informed choices.
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Undertaking a citywide mapping exercise to catalogue all support, organisations and service pathways available to people with dementia and their carers.
Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for adult social care and all age commissioning on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “In carrying out this review it was agreed to focus on the effectiveness of health and social care support from diagnosis onwards, not just for people living with dementia, but also for their carers.
“This will allow us to establish better joined up support and improve awareness of what is available to help those affected live well in their own homes and communities.
“The improvements are based on lived experiences of people affected by dementia – we wanted to understand a family’s journey in order to understand some of the challenges that people affected by the condition face
“The review also sought to establish how effective integrated care is and how well health and care professionals, working together, meets an individual’s specific requirements.”
The improvements recommended in the review will also contribute to the ongoing introduction of a Joint Dementia Strategy, which has been developed in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board - Policies, procedures and strategies directory - Stoke-on-Trent Joint Dementia Strategy | Stoke-on-Trent
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