Agenda item

Mental Wellbeing in Later Life and Dementia Services

To receive a report on the Mental Wellbeing in Later Life Board Action Plan, incorporating an update on Dementia Services

Minutes:

The Sub-committee considered the report which provided an update on the work of the Mental Wellbeing in Later Life Board and Dementia Services.

 

The sub-committee noted the progress made in setting up the Mental Wellbeing in Later Life Board and the proposal that the Board be now chaired by the Commissioning Manager from NTCCG with the objectives of the Board aligned with the Future Care Objectives.

 

It was noted that the Board has been considering a range of information on current services, including the mapping of services undertaken as part of the Mental Wellbeing in Later Life Strategy, research conducted by Healthwatch, consultation with older people’s residential and nursing care providers and carers groups, reviewing NICE guidance around dementia, and a workshop with clinicians working in older peoples’ mental health. 

 

The sub-committee noted the priorities identified for 2019-20.  These include exploring opportunities for a service that appropriately manages people in the community and is wider than just a psychiatric model of care; a review of crisis support for older people outside of normal operating hours; improving access to psychological therapies; a review of post diagnostic support for people with dementia and their carers; better support for carers, including older carers; and developing a single model of service across the two providers of older people’s mental health services in the borough.

 

In addition, officers outlined the current situation in relation to Dementia Friendly Communities and the decision of the Health and Wellbeing Board to explore a plan for taking this forward with local communities.

 

There was some discussion about post diagnostic support available in the borough with some members suggesting that support available via GPs can be better than the specialist services available.  The sub-committee was assured that the post diagnostic support available is good and is more comprehensive than the support that could be offered by GP practices alone.

 

There was some discussion about ‘prevention’ in the context of addressing isolation and loneliness issues.  It was acknowledged that this is a complex area, but that there are developments in place through the social prescribing service, with a strong offer in North Tyneside for people to link in to.

 

There was some discussion about Dementia Friendly Communities.  It was noted that Wallsend was the first town to be registered with the Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Friendly Community, and Whitley Bay had been working towards registration.  However, in order to retain registration an annual assessment is required.  The Alzheimer’s society had notified the Council that due to inactivity and no further progress being made, they were considering de-registering the Wallsend area.

 

The Health and Wellbeing Board has now committed to continuing with the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative and is looking at how this could be taken forward.  A workshop is being arranged in October to scope out this plan.  However, any approach would need to be led external to the Council and be sustainable after any initial funding ceases.

 

The Sub-committee was asked to consider whether it wished to have a role in the initiative.  As a start, it was agreed that some representatives of the Sub-committee should attend the forthcoming workshop, with a view to reporting back to the to the sub-committee at the next meeting.  Members were invited to volunteer outside of the meeting if they wished to attend.

 

It was agreed that:  

 

1.         The report be noted;

2.         Volunteers be sought from Members of the Sub-committee to attend the forthcoming workshop on Dementia Friendly Communities.

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