Council outlines new approach to tackling dementia in Croydon
DEMENTIA will become 20 times more prevalent in Croydon's black and ethnic minorities than white communities, a report has found.
The figures are contained within a document outlining the council's new approach to the syndrome to meet rising demand for treatment and support.
In Croydon, 3,300 people have been diagnosed with dementia which affects 800,000 men and women in the UK.
The new strategy is based on early intervention and helping to support people to build confidence so they can live life as independently as possible.
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Croydon Council expects more resources will need to be found or care homes and care home placements over the next five years.
Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities have been identified as a key focus, with their dementia rates expected to increase 20 times higher than those of white UK origin.
Councillor Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: "This strategy will change the landscape of dementia care across the community.
"Dementia is a terrible illness and we need to increase our understanding and awareness of the condition.
"Focusing on early diagnosis and prevention will help manage demand and improve quality of life, both for patients and their carers."
The new strategy was adopted during a cabinet meeting at the Town Hall on Monday.
Comments
by Chris_Wilcox
Friday, December 14 2012, 9:20AM
“@John: With IAPT, now The Priory do not have the contract anymore, Talking Therapy waiting times are down to something more reasonable. The IAPT Interim service ( SLaM run ) worked with local Charities to clear the obscene backlog The Priory created.
So hopefully more and more people will heal now.
There is one problem though. IAPT is only on 1/3 of the budget it needs. It's not John or Patrice's fault either. It's the tier of managers above them who divvy out the cash between Mental & Physical health.
We ( Mental Health ) only get £1 in every £8 spent on Healthcare in Croydon. Clearly a ridiculously unfair formula, and one that must change VERY quickly or it will be a mess out there.”
by John_Croydon
Friday, December 14 2012, 9:07AM
“That sounds great Chris. I've always had a high regard for John Haseler so, if anyone can push change through (and it's a big if), I'd say he was the person most likely to succeed.
But, regarding IAPT (Improved Access to Psychological Therapies), for anyone needing talking therapy (as opposed to just receiving medication), the current waiting list for one-to-one psychotherapy is not far short of two years. For many, this will mean two years of lost life and, for some, an irretrievable slide away from any chance of regaining their mental well-being.
I do understand the role that the BME Forum and other similar groups play, and agree that something needed to be done to engage with parts of our community which have often turned away from mental health services. But it's not easy for anyone; there is no forum for me - a middle-aged, middle-class, white male - and I've often had my mental health issues dismissed, even by professionals, just on the basis of my being able to appear 'normal'. Prejudice and ignorance come in many shapes and forms!
What I hope for is the day when we are well-enough integrated as a whole community to not need the 'BME' label any more and, instead, we have a system, and society, which focuses on equality of access for all.”
by Chris_Wilcox
Friday, December 14 2012, 8:13AM
“Indeed. And so far the BME Community have been left behind on IAPT as well. Hence why the latest IAPT contract ( awarded to South London & Maudsley after The Priory made a trainwreck of it ) has a whole section on BME outreach.
It's also why myself and Anna at The BME Forum designed a Dementia Care & Support strategy that is able to handle pretty much any ethnicity you throw at it.
John Haseler liked it, so maybe it'll happen. We'll have to wait and see. There's no denying this will be a huge issue though. Especially in 50% Ethnic Cronx.”