Charity Dementia Jersey and the Government are working together to develop a Dementia Strategy, which will be published by the end of October.
The organisations have now launched a survey to to gather views on how Jersey supports people with dementia and their carers, and “what we can do as an Island to become more dementia friendly and inclusive”.
Dr Sian Wareing-Jones, Lead Partner from Dementia Jersey, who is helping to develop the strategy, said: “We have launched this survey to give people with dementia, their families, and the professionals involved in their care, the opportunity to tell us about what really matters to them.
“We see this as an essential part of the work we are doing to inform the recommendations of the strategy.
“These recommendations will be broad, but are likely to include, actions for improving outcomes for people with dementia and their families, actions to support our workforce, and actions to make Jersey a dementia aware and inclusive island.”
Rachel McBride, from Health and Community Services, added: “Hearing from Islanders is vital in helping us to develop a practical strategy that is informed by up-to-date evidence, but that is also tailored to and designed for the people of Jersey and our local community.“
It is thought that 1,600 islanders are living with dementia, and more than half the population know, or have known, someone who is living with the condition.
Health Minister Karen Wilson said: “I am delighted that work is gathering pace on developing the island’s first Dementia Strategy.
“I made the creation of this strategy one of my key priorities as we need to make sure that we offer the very best support to Islanders with dementia and their carers. This is an important piece of partnership working and I look forward to learning what we can do as an Island to make Jersey more dementia friendly and inclusive.”
The survey, which closes on 11 April, can be completed online. Paper versions are available in Dementia Jersey’s offices and at reception desks at the Hospital’s outpatients department and Poplar’s Centre at Overdale.