New dementia service launched in Plymouth
Plymouth is launching a new service as part of its work to become a Dementia Friendly City and improve the lives of residents with the illness.
Plymouth City Council and the Western Locality of the NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group have commissioned the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver the new service which will include:
- Five new dementia support workers from whom everyone with dementia will be able to get information and support
- An activities co-ordinator who will co-ordinate Memory Cafes, Singing for the Brain and other activities and can develop new ones as required
A leadership group of people with dementia will also be set up to advise on the development of strategies and services.
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet member for Public Health and Adult Social Care said: "Here in Plymouth we are leading the way with our dementia work and this service will help us further improve the support on offer. Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face and with our partners we are working to not only provide better support but also to improve the awareness and understanding of the condition."
One in three people over 65 have dementia. Approximately 3,000 people in Plymouth have the condition and that number is growing. The Council and the CCG won £206,000 of grant funding to develop the Dementia Friendly Cities programme.
Kathy Milosevic, Alzheimer's Society Locality Manager for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said:
"We are thrilled at the increased investment from Plymouth City Council in support of strengthening the support available to the 3,200 people living with dementia in Plymouth. This increase in funding means Alzheimer’s Society, through additional Dementia Support Workers and staff at existing Memory Cafés and our Singing for the Brain® service, will be able to reach out to more people affected by dementia to provide them and their carers with the help and support they need to live well with the condition. Only 45% of people with dementia in Plymouth have received an official diagnosis. This increase in investment and support services shows that there is a benefit to a diagnosis and anyone with concerns about their memory should visit their GP for a referral today."
Dr Nick Cartmell, Clinical lead for dementia for Western Locality of NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group said:
"People with dementia and their carers or families often report falling into a 'care vacuum' for considerable periods after the diagnosis is made, not knowing where to find information or how to access services. To help with this Plymouth City Council and the NHS have commissioned the experts, the Alzheimer's Society, to provide a new Dementia Support Worker Service in Plymouth. The service is designed to support people regularly from diagnosis onwards so that they can enjoy life to the full and are confident that their future needs will be met in a planned and timely way. Should problems arise the service staff will be able to liaise closely with your GP surgery and specialist services to help get the right help at the right time."
