Agenda item

Purpose of the report:Performance Management

Dementia Friendly Surrey was launched in March 2013 to support communities to become more inclusive and supportive of people with dementia and their carers.  This report will provide an update on progress one year on and consider the legacy and sustainability of this initiative.

Declarations of interest: None.

Witnesses:

Richard Ellmer, Dementia Friendly Champion

Donal Hegarty, Senior Manager, Commissioning

Dave Sargeant, Interim Strategic Director for Adult Social Care

Mel Few, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

Steve Cosser, Cabinet Associate for Adult Social Care

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Committee were given an update on the progress of the Dementia Friendly Communities project. Officers commented that the focus was presently on embedding the legacy, and how the principles of the project would be incorporated in local alliances. It was highlighted the Dementia Friendly Champions would be a key factor in ensuring the success of this legacy. The Committee was given a brief summary of the manner in which one Dementia Friendly Champion had become involved and what benefits the project had for both himself and others.

2.    The Committee questioned whether there had been challenges in finding Champions for all areas of Surrey. It was commented that rural areas would always present some challenges, however officers assured the Committee that Champions had been found to ensure coverage for the entire of Surrey. It was highlighted that a Dementia-Friendly Cafe was being set up in Reigate & Banstead, and that the Council was working with District & Borough partners to ensure there was a consistent support network. It was acknowledged by officers that there was inevitably some challenge as demand exceeded the practical resources available.

3.    The Committee highlighted that there had been some difficulties in the application process for individual Members. Officers gave assurance that they would follow the matter up, and highlighted the fact that Members were seen as an important resource in developing the Dementia Friendly agenda on a local level. The Cabinet Member Associate for Adult Social Care commented that he would encourage all Members to consider becoming Dementia Champions for their areas.

4.    The Committee questioned what efforts were being made to engage larger organisations in Surrey, and also highlighted the potential to engage religious communities. It was commented by witnesses that the potential to extend the Dementia Friendly Communities project would begin with groundswell support. The Committee discussed the broader agenda of how communities could embed a more vigilant and preventative approach to those considered vulnerable.

5.    The Committee had a discussion about general attitudes to the diagnosis of dementia. It was recognised that often diagnosis was undertaken when people were admitted to acute hospitals with other health issues. Officers commented that part of the work of the Dementia Friendly Communities project was about increasing awareness, and also working with GPs to ensure that the appropriate referrals were being made when people showed signs of dementia.

Recommendations:

The Committee commend the work and achievements of the Dementia Friendly Surrey Project team and the Dementia Champions, and recommend the following:

a)    That the Directorate continue the publicity and awareness campaigns around dementia in order to increase the number of early diagnoses made and improve outcomes for those with dementia.

Action by: Senior Manager, Commissioning

b)    That the Directorate review the impact of Innovation Fund projects in 12 months time.

Action by: Senior Manager, Commissioning

c)    That the Directorate ensure the lessons and achievements are embedded in commissioning and service delivery activity of Adult Social Care, including the Family, Friends and Community Support project.

Action by: Interim Strategic Director for Adult Social Care

Actions/further information to be provided:

None.

Committee Next Steps:

None.