During Dementia Action Week (15-21 May), a new dementia strategy has been launched for the citizens of Birmingham and Solihull, setting out how health and social care will work together to improve the lives of people with dementia and those who look after them.
Developed in partnership between NHS Birmingham and Solihull, Birmingham City Council and Solihull Council, the strategy has been shaped by the priorities and views of people who have dementia, their carers, and health and social care professionals.
The strategy and action plan sets out four key priorities:
1. Information which focuses on prevention of dementia, early intervention and support.
2. Access to a timely diagnosis with support before and after.
3. Supporting people with dementia, their loved ones, carers and communities to prevent crisis.
4. Improving the quality of personalised care and support planning for people with dementia, including planning for the end of life.
Dr Richard Mendelsohn, Medical Director for Long Term Conditions, Prevention and Population Health Management at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: “This new strategy and action plan demonstrates our collective commitment to tackle health inequalities in dementia care and ensure that people live longer, healthier lives through more personalised care and support.
“Through four agreed priorities, our focus for the next five years will be to ensure that people with dementia and their carers are supported through every stage in their journey - from prevention and early help, right through to end of life care.”
Councillor Tony Dicicco, Solihull Council’s cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “During Dementia Action Week, I encourage people living in Solihull to ‘act on dementia.’
“This could be learning more about keeping your brain healthy, coming along to one of the Alzheimer’s Society events in the borough or seeking help if you or someone you know is experiencing dementia symptoms.
“You can borrow books about dementia free of charge from Chelmsley Wood and The Core libraries through our Reading Well for dementia scheme and remember that Carers Trust Solihull provides practical and emotional support for all carers including those supporting people with dementia.”
Councillor Mariam Khan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Many people in Birmingham will be affected by dementia at some point in their lives.
“With rates set to grow over the coming years, it is essential that we have a system to support people living with dementia, as well as their loved ones and carers.
“We believe in giving people the support they need to have the best possible quality of life. Through this new strategy we will work to achieve this through an improved, fairer and people-focused model of early intervention and care that will make a lasting difference for so many people in our local communities.”
The strategy has been launched during Dementia Action Week to coincide with a number of events taking place across the week, offering NHS professionals, patients and members of the public opportunities to find out more about the plans as well as the support that is available for people living with dementia in Birmingham and Solihull.
Visit the dementia pages of the NHS Birmingham and Solihull website for details of the strategy and action plan, as well as more information about dementia services and support.