Alzheimer’s Society survey shows vital need for well-thought through Northern Ireland dementia strategy

The survey, carried out to coincide with the end of the consultation for Northern Ireland's first dementia strategy, also found that only 13 per cent of people with dementia and their carers said they always receive high quality care.

Alzheimer's Society is using these new statistics to highlight the vital need to make the most of the opportunity the dementia strategy provides. The 15 section draft document 'Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland - A Regional Strategy' addresses a range of issues related to dementia and includes an action plan to improve and redesign services.

Deirdre Blakely, Acting Director for Northern Ireland for Alzheimer's Society, said:

'The number of people with dementia in Northern Ireland is expected to double and the costs treble in a generation. However, by taking action now we can vastly improve the quality of life of thousands of people with dementia and save the economy millions of pounds a year.

'As our survey shows, a dementia strategy cannot come soon enough for the 16,000 people with dementia in this country right now. It is very exciting to see plans progressing but the draft strategy does not yet represent the huge leap forward the final product has the potential to be.

'If it is to be a success, the voice of people with dementia should be evident throughout. We also need to see a clearer roadmap for change with an accurate picture of the inconsistent standards we have today and the ideals that we have to achieve.'

Agnes Lavery from County Antrim, whose husband Brendan has Alzheimer's disease, said:

'It is very promising to hear that the government appears to be taking the challenge of dementia seriously. For too long, people like my husband and me have fallen under the radar. Hopefully this strategy will mean people with dementia will have a better quality of life, be treated with respect throughout their lives and not regarded as second rate citizens.'

Other key points in Alzheimer's Society's consultation response include:

• The strategy does not have to have huge funding implications but it must make efficient use of available funding and have realistic costs attached to identified priority
• There is insufficient evidence about the current standard of services or detailed time frames for when proposed changes would be implemented
• There needs to be strong leadership at a national and local level if we are to make the most of this opportunity
• More focus needs to be placed on early intervention so we can reduce or prevent the need for expensive hospital or residential care.

As part of the consultation response, Alzheimer's Society asked 85 people who use Alzheimer's Society services about health and social care and support. They also received 101 responses to a members' questionnaire.