New dementia support plans

SHEFFIELD’S vision is to make sure people with dementia are supported to live life to their full potential.

A new plan to make this vision a reality was discussed at Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet on December 18.

It highlights how there is city-wide agreement that improving the care and support for people of all ages living with or caring for those living with dementia is of vital importance. Around 7,000 people aged 65 and above, 1% of the city’s population, currently live with dementia and it’s estimated that by 2035 that figure could rise to over 9,000 for that age group.

Key priorities for the plan include that:

• People living with dementia will be able to live in a dementia friendly community, where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported - meaning that they can live well at home for as long as possible.

• It will be easier to know where to go to seek information, advice, and help.

• Because dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, there will be a focus on preventing or delaying the onset of dementia by raising awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthier lifestyle, across all ages.

Public, voluntary, community and private sector organisations here have committed to work together to do this. Consultation with those living with dementia, their carers and family, as well as professionals involved in their care has resulted in a set of 13 commitments for how dementia care is delivered in the city.

George Lindars-Hammond, Cabinet Member for Health and Social care at Sheffield City Council said: “Our ongoing pledge is to ensure that that the voices of people living with dementia and caring for those living with dementia are heard and used to develop the action plans that will drive the delivery of the Dementia Strategy once it is agreed.

Councillor Lindars-Hammond added: “Key to the success of the work will be partners, communities and groups working together to improve services and pooling budgets to make the best use of resources.”

Dr Steve Thomas, GP and Clinical Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Dementia at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group said, “We are proud to have worked together with our partners in Sheffield to develop a set of shared commitments to make sure people with dementia and their families are supported to live to their full potential.

“By helping Sheffield become a ‘dementia friendly’ city it will mean people with dementia are more understood and supported and can live well with dementia, helping them remain independent for longer.”

The Cabinet Report is here at www.democracy.sheffield.gov.uk https://bit. ly/2RZDhqw