Previous reference: Minute 87 (2017/2018)

The Bradford District Dementia Strategy Group oversee the implementation of the Dementia Strategy Implementation Plan. The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, (Document “AC”) provides an annual update on progress made since the issue was last discussed by the Committee on 12 April 2018.

The Committee is asked to note and comment on the report including the priorities for the coming year outlined in 3.9 and Section 4 of Document “AC”.

(Lyn Sowray – 07825175161 / Sarah Exall - 01274 432600)

Members were reminded that the Committee had last received a report on post diagnosis support for people with dementia and their carers on 12 April 2018.  The report of the Deputy Director, Health and Wellbeing, Document “AC” provided details of progress since that time.

The Deputy Director addressed the meeting and explained that she was the Chair of the Dementia Strategy Group.  She introduced colleagues who were part of that group including a colleague from Shared Services which looked after the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups.  It was explained that Shared Services had a dedicated worker and a South Asian Dementia Café, based in Girlington, to provide provision in the heart of that community.  Its rationale was to raise awareness and ensure people were supported; to break down barriers and stigma and to raise awareness of the disease. 

Members were advised that Shared Services had allowed progress to be made with dementia friendly communities and work was on going in the city centre and with faith groups.  Training had been provided to local Imams and the Dementia Cafés complimented memory assessment centres and provided post diagnostic support. 

The Alzheimer’s Society Manager, working across the Bradford, Wharfedale and Airedale communities, addressed the meeting.  He explained that the society was funded to provide information and support at the time of diagnosis.  People diagnosed with dementia were automatically offered onward referral to a Dementia Advisor, making contact within two weeks of referral to provide information about diagnosis and treatment, carers’ needs, community support, local services, benefits and legal advice.  In addition, daytime community activities, including Wellbeing Cafés were provided by the Alzheimer’s Society, and were operated across the district.

A Speciality Registrar in Public Health explained population changes in the district and that the number of older adults was expected to rise by 43% by 2035.  That figure would have significant  implications for the number of people with dementia.  It was estimated that at the current time there were 5200 people affected in the district and that four out of five of those people were diagnosed.  It was hoped to continue the good work in diagnosis; by 2035 the figure was estimated to rise to 9,000.  It was reported that the proportion of people under the age 65 affected by dementia in the Bradford district was higher than other areas.  That figure was low, however, and out of all those diagnosed in the district only two to three per cent of those were aged under 65.

The report revealed the financial implications of the disease and that  the Local Authority currently funded around 1900 people at a cost of £20m a year. 

Following a very detailed presentation Members queried a statement that the proportion of younger people (aged under 65 years) recorded as having a diagnosis of dementia in Bradford was higher than the rest of the country.  It was questioned if there were higher trigger factors in the area and it was explained that Bradford had a higher rate of risk factors which included obesity, smoking and lack of exercise.

A Member referred to the Bradford Dementia Strategy and Action Plan 2015-20, refreshed in November 2017, being Bradford focussed and questioned provision in the Keighley area.  In response he was referred to the development of provision at the Bronte development in that area.  It was also explained that there were shorter waiting times for memory assessments in Airedale and that Shared Services had undertaken funding applications for that location.  Keighley had many dementia friendly services and the largest number of dementia friends in the district.  Surgery drop-in sessions were soon to be available at a pilot project at North Street, Keighley and there was a dedicated Community Mental Health Team based at Meridian House, Keighley.

A Member, whilst acknowledging that people would wish to remain in their homes, referred to residents he had witnessed being isolated and alone in his community and he questioned the community support available.  In response it was explained that there were day time activities in community cafes and places for people to come together.  A VCS mapping process was in place to develop those services.  It was acknowledged that more could be done to keep people connected and that there was a need to engage with carers.  The service provided a lot of support to families with payments to allow people to be supported within extended families or to recruit their own staff within South Asian communities. 

In response to concerns about support being centred on carers rather than patients it was explained that there were plans to measure the outcomes of patients to ensure that funding was not used for other purposes.  It was acknowledged, however, that the needs of carers must also be met.

The belief of a Member that training and awareness was essential in providing support and to spot the signs of dementia early was raised.  The resilience of carers was discussed and the difficulties faced when patients become agitated or repeatedly asked questions was recognised.  That Member referred to an incident where providing a colouring book had been useful in settling and comforting a patient.  The Alzheimer’s Society Manager confirmed that services were commissioned to help people to develop coping strategies and build resilience.  Work was undertaken to ensure people were aware of that service.

The statement, contained in the report, that patients should receive an annual review of physical health, to monitor changes in memory and review medication by their general practitioner and that people in Bradford were more likely to have had a review in the past year than patients from the rest of the country, was queried.    It was also questioned if nurse reviews, as reported in Document “AC”, were undertaken every three months.  In response it was confirmed that GPs were responsible for the annual reviews but it was known that Bradford did have better number of reviews than in other areas.  Further details were not available at the meeting and it was agreed that the information would be provided to Members.

A Member, who was also the Council’s Dementia Champion, encouraged all Councillors and officers present at the meeting to attended dementia workshops which were being held in City Hall, Bradford, during March 2019 and agreed to send invitations to those events. 

Resolved –

That the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, be requested to provide a progress report, including an update on the Dementia Strategy Implementation Plan, in 12 months time.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing