AQW 44408/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/04/2015
Answered On Date: 21/04/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 44157/11-15, to provide detailed examples, within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, from the strategy which his Department will use to support the narrative given in his previous answer.

Answer:

The Atlantic Philanthropies/Delivering Social Change Dementia Signature Project has three workstreams: (i) awareness raising, information and support; (ii) training; and (iii) short breaks, respite and support to carers.

These three work streams, which are at an early stage of development, are being taken forward on a regional basis and are intended to benefit people with dementia and their carers across Northern Ireland, including those living within the Northern Trust area.

The awareness raising, information and support workstream will promote a better understanding among the general public and among healthcare professionals of the benefits of early diagnosis, improved diagnosis rates, and uptake of early intervention supports. It will focus on providing lifestyle and health advice and will seek to reduce the stigma and isolation associated with dementia.

The training workstream will develop and embed a knowledge and skills framework for dementia to make a lasting change to the quality of dementia care. The project will be directed at HSC staff, employers, educators, and professional bodies as well as carers.

The short breaks, respite and support to carers workstream will develop a range of innovative alternatives to current support options for people with dementia and their carers.