Dementia is a debilitating illness estimated to affect more than 3,000 people in the city, with that number expected to rise by over 50% by 2035. Dementia does not just have a devastating effect on the individual, but also their families and friends.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Covid-19 has had disproportionate impact on people living with dementia and their carers, disrupting the pathways through which they can access services.
"For instance, we know that the diagnosis rate of dementia has declined across England as a result of Covid-19, with GP referrals also dropping.
"We want to hear from people living with dementia, their families and carers, and professionals who work with people with dementia, to understand what the key issues are facing those affected by this cruel condition and to help us improve provision as we recover from the pandemic."
There are 2 surveys, one for people living with dementia, available at Mapping Dementia Support Services in the Community – People living with Dementia, and a second for professionals available at Professionals. Both surveys are available until Friday 21 January, 2022.
Carers are invited to complete a survey at All Age Carers Strategy - Adult Carers which also asks for their comments on the development of a new All Ages Carer Strategy. The closing date for comments is Friday 14 January, 2022.
As well as through the surveys, engagement with people living with dementia and their carers is also taking place via the Alzheimer’s Society, Compton Care, Wolverhampton’s Carer Support Team and Admiral Nurses to capture the perspective of people using services and their experiences.
Wolverhampton is recognised as a Dementia Friendly City by the Alzheimer’s Society, with Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance successfully bringing together dozens of local organisations including retailers, businesses, emergency services, religious groups and education providers to work together to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their family carers.
People who are worried about dementia can contact the Alzheimer's Society for information and support either via its Dementia Connect phoneline, open seven days a week on 0333 150 3456, or by visiting Alzheimer's Society.
For more details of the support available locally, please visit Dementia.
