Dementia strategy moves forward

Friday 27 December 2019

The government has finally agreed to develop a 'strategy' for helping those with dementia after several "false starts".

The decision comes after successful lobbying by the Jersey Alzheimers Association, which supports islanders living with the condition as well as their families.

Members of the public with their own ‘lived experience’ of dementia - whether as someone with dementia themselves, a current or past family carer, friends or family – are invited to share their “very personal insight” to help shape the Dementia Strategy.

It comes after significant efforts by Jersey Alzheimer’s Association to convince the government that dementia should have its own focus, rather than be included as part of mental health policy work, due to the many different service areas it covers: older adults, older adult mental health, public health, neurology as well as learning disability and diabetes.

However, it is only recently that the Government took steps towards its development, following questions raised by Scrutiny. 

Senator Steve Pallet, the Assistant Health Minister with responsibility for Mental Health has now committed to making the strategy happen. 

“As we know most other countries now have their own strategy or specific plan around dementia, but Jersey remains one of the few without,” Sean Pontin the charity’s CEO said.

“The notion of a separate dementia strategy for Jersey has been muted for some years but has never been a priority until now. 

“There have been a number of false starts where people have got together but other service areas have been prioritised, so nothing has taken shape.”

Senator Pallett said he understood the importance of ensuring that islanders with dementia, as well as their families, receive the treatment, care and support they need to live with their condition. 

Pictured: Sean Pontin, CEO of Jersey Alzheimer's Association.

“The Council of Ministers has set out within the newly approved Government Plan its commitment to improve islanders’ access to mental health services and has already begun addressing some of the longstanding issues that have plagued Jersey’s mental health offering,” he added. 

“With Jersey’s steadily growing older population, the number of people with dementia will increase in the future. It is therefore important that we have fully developed plans to be able to provide good, quality care within the community or care homes.

“Designing a dementia strategy that reflects the future needs of islanders is vital if we are to ensure that we can provide appropriate care.”

Islanders are asked to contact JAA via email or by calling 723519 to learn more about how they can get involved.