Agenda item

To consider an update to a report submitted to the committee in January 2020, which raised awareness of dementia and provided an overview of what is in progress to support the individuals living with Dementia in Gwynedd.

To accept and note the report that gave an update and overview of what is in progress to support individuals living with Dementia in Gwynedd.

The Cabinet Member provided an update on the support available to individuals and the dementia condition in Gwynedd, highlighting that it was an extremely busy time. It was highlighted that the number of dementia diagnoses was increasing and although Covid had been a challenging time, it was explained that the developmental work had continued.

The Senior Adults Services Manager added that the Covid period had forced the Department to revise how they offer the service to ensure that they complied with Covid regulations, along with offering the essential services to individuals. It was confirmed that the Population Needs Assessment was in the pipeline and it would give the Department greater understanding of the needs and the provision that will be needed locally for years to come. 

It was confirmed that the next steps will be to revise the work plans that include the work that has been done by Dementia Actif, the support work and the work to adapt Council homes. Concerns were highlighted about core funding that would ensure that it would be possible to fund the work in future. 

Members were given an opportunity to ask questions, and the responses were noted as follows:

In terms of staff availability and suitability, it was confirmed that employing suitable staff with the correct skills was a challenge, but that the Council was making a substantial effort to attract suitable staff by developing an appropriate training programme.  It was noted that there had been an increase in the number of staff being employed in the field, but there was a need to continue to attract staff to the field for any developments in the future. 

In terms of the availability of specialist residential beds for individuals with Dementia, it was explained that most of the Council home beds were full and there were waiting lists. Due to Covid restrictions, there had been a delay in opening a specialist dementia unit with 8 beds at one of the homes with the hope that it would be possible to open the unit gradually soon.

In discussing financial matters, it was explained that the Department was taking advantage of every possible opportunity for money from various sources. Concerns about long-term funding were highlighted as Government grants tended to be for 2- or 3-year periods.

It was noted that it was a difficult situation when individuals had to move from the area to receive service.  The Senior Adults Services Manager confirmed that the Department was in the process of completing a section of work on out of county placements which highlighted where individuals where moving to receive care. This could be because there was no suitable provision available locally or down to personal choice.   

In terms of Council plans to increase specialist Dementia Units in Gwynedd, it was confirmed that there were plans to expand, along with other similar schemes in the private sector. Dyffryn Nantlle Hub Scheme and the Penrhos Site were highlighted as future schemes emphasising that there was a need to address other areas also.  It was explained that the Service would continue to work on progressive schemes and revise the investment programme within 12-18 months.

RESOLVED: To accept and note the report that gave an update and overview of what is in progress to support individuals living with Dementia in Gwynedd.