National recognition for county's work on dementia

Denbighshire County Council has won national recognition for its efforts to work towards becoming a dementia friendly council.

The council has achieved Alzheimer’s Society recognition through its Dementia Friendly Communities initiative for its work to raise awareness and support those living with dementia as part of its commitment to create resilient communities in the county.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the council’s lead member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We are working hard to ensure the Council is an organisation that supports those living with dementia and continues to do so. We would like to thank the Alzheimer’s Society for working with us on this project.

“It is vital we work to deliver positive outcomes for those living with dementia and make life easier and more comfortable for them and for those who care for people with dementia.

“Helping people to be more resilient and independent is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and this work helps us achieve that.”

There are 11,000 people living with dementia in North Wales, with 1,511 of those in Denbighshire and the number of people living with dementia in North Wales is expected to almost double by 2030.

As part of its work to support those with dementia the Council has delivered Dementia Friends information sessions for staff and councillors, set up a staff engagement network and libraries offer a books on prescription service.

There is a reduction in council tax for people living with dementia while free fire safety checks in homes and help with wheelie bins are also provided.

Future plans include an e-learning package to inform staff and councillors, a premises audit for dementia friendly buildings and libraries will be introducing the loan of memory boxes.

The council will be inviting people living with dementia to inform and influence changes in working practices as well as working with the county’s Dementia Friendly Towns to share learning and experiences.