The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has praised work being carried out in Monmouthshire to help people living with dementia.
Launch of the Annual report at the Senedd in Cardiff
The Commissioner’s team visited Raglan recently to learn about a person-centred approach being trialled by Monmouthshire Council staff. It focuses on the needs of individuals living with dementia and increasing their independence, with the aim of saving money on the cost of formal care packages.
The team also joined 45 people from across Monmouthshire- a mixture of people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends – at a fish and chip supper organised by the Friends of Dingestow.
The Commissioner, Sarah Rochira, said: “The important work being carried out in Monmouthshire will increase awareness of dementia and help us to build communities that offer the right support and make Wales a better place to live for the 45,500 people living with the condition.”
The views and experiences of people Sarah and her team have met in Abergavenny helped to shape the recently-published report entitled ‘The Importance and Impact of Community Services within Wales’, which makes a strong case for preserving vital community services and infrastructure that older people rely on to help them stay healthy and independent.
Sarah said: “Older people in Abergavenny consistently raise with me the need for a greater focus on the importance of key local and community services, such as buses and community transport, public toilets, pavements, public seating, outdoor areas, libraries, leisure and day centres. There is real concern among many older people that these vital services are disappearing, which will have a devastating impact on their lives.”
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, met with older people during the care home review and theEngagement Roadshow recently
Sarah and her team have also been in the Abergavenny area over the last few months, visiting residential care homes as part of the Commissioner’s Residential Care Review.
The Review is looking into whether people living in residential care in Wales have a good quality of life, considering factors such as physical and psychological health, social relationships, the care home environment and spirituality. The Review report will be published in October, together with requirements for action from public bodies to deliver the change that older people want and need to see.
The Commissioner launched her second Impact and Reach report at an event in the Senedd earlier this month, which was attended by members of the Abergavenny Action 50+ group.
The report highlights action taken by the Commissioner during 2013-14 to make Wales a good place to grow older.
You can download a copy or find details of the Commissioner’s work at www.olderpeoplewales.com
