Dementia Project – A joined up approach to services
We spoke to over 200 people about the dementia care they receive from health and social care services in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.
We made a representation to Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Local Authorities as well as Swansea Bay Health Board and the Regional Partnership Board to: work together to create or further develop jointly funded services that provide advice and support for people living with dementia and their families.
We heard that the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Board is putting together a dementia strategy in line with the All-Wales Dementia Care Pathway Standards. As part of this work, they will be looking at which services currently support those living with dementia in the area to better direct people and work out any gaps in services.
They shared their commitment to jointly providing the right advice at the right time for people living with dementia and their carers. They told us a Dementia Support Service had been set up via the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership with the help of five key organisations across Swansea and Neath and Port Talbot. The service supports people living with dementia along with their family, friends, and carers through providing information and advice around getting help at home, housing adaptations and repairs, respite, support and guidance. We were told that this work would continue to be developed further.
As well as sitting on the Regional Partnership Board, we now also sit on their Dementia and Learning Disability Programme Board bringing the voice of people to the table whilst services are being planned and developed. Thank you to all those who spoke to us about their experiences of living with dementia. We will keep you updated.