Plans for a new centre for younger people with dementia have been unveiled.
Care provider Reach has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society’s local dementia forum in Gwent to develop the proposed centre which will be located in Blackwood.
The partnership approach was recently praised by Health Minister Mark Drakeford at a Senedd debate.
Professor Drakeford said: “It is great to see co-production in action, shaping a much-needed specialist service for younger people with dementia.
“We talk about the importance of ensuring voices of service users are heard, but what we really want is those voices to be acted upon, so that we create and deliver care services truly shaped by need. Ultimately, a service that is designed with the users will deliver better outcomes and better value for money.”
Alzheimer’s Society in Gwent have worked with Reach to ensure younger people with dementia, or ‘early onset dementia’ get a real say in the new dedicated centre. Lesley Thomas, Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Gwent, said: “We use the term ‘younger people with dementia’ to describe individuals who are diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65.
“As one can imagine younger people with dementia often have very specific needs; for example they may still be physically fit. That is why it is vital that providers of accommodation and support recognise those needs.
“We’re hopeful that with the input of younger people with dementia, and academic experts, the planned Centre of Excellence will highlight the long-term benefits of co-producing services.”
Reach’s proposal for the centre of excellence follows discussions with the Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Alzheimer’s Society which highlighted the lack of existing provision for younger people with dementia. The proposal is due to be completed in early 2015.