Isle of Wight Dementia Strategy set to launch

By IW Observer.co.uk May 15, 2022
back view of senior woman hugged by husband, sick on dementia

Plans to improve the health and well-being of Islanders living with dementia will be unveiled next week, aiming to make a real difference to them and their families

People can find out more about the Island’s new Dementia Strategy at its official launch next Friday (May 20) during Dementia Action Week (May 16-22). It has been shaped by direct input from people living with dementia and their carers.

There is an estimated 2,655 people over the age of 65 living with dementia on the Island and it is estimated that the figure will increase to 3,920 by 2030.

Preeti Sheth, interim assistant director of adult social care, said: “It is vital that people living with dementia and their carers have support to live full, independent and active lives with flexible, high-quality health and social care that meets their needs.

“I would like to thank our partners — the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, who will also be adopting this strategy.

“A massive thanks is due to all of the local voluntary and community organisations who played a vital role in developing this work, including the Dementia Awareness Partnership, Age UK Isle of Wight, Alzheimer Café IOW, Carers IW and Healthwatch Isle of Wight, helped by other local organisations including Mountbatten, Independent Arts and the Alzheimer’s Society.”

The strategy will be launched at Independent Arts, 48 High Street, Newport, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Voluntary and community groups will be on hand to give advice and support, including Alzheimer Café IOW, Carers IW, Independent Arts, Age UK Isle of Wight, and Mountbatten.

Councillor Karl Love, cabinet lead for health and social care, added: “Dementia is an unforgiving disease which has a huge impact on families. The emotional impact of having to deal with loss of independence and fears for how it will progress is a frightening, heart-breaking and an unimaginable burden on the affected person and on their family. It changes the family relationship dynamics significantly.”