CARE leaders have outlined plans to create centres of excellence to tackle dementia.
Staffordshire County Council revealed its proposals as the Alzheimer’s Society said as many as 80 per cent of people in care had dementia or memory problems.
Against this backdrop, the number of people over 85 in Staffordshire is predicted to double by 2025, with issues such as dementia and disability also on the rise.
In a bid to respond now, the Tory-run council is forging ahead with plans to create its centres of excellence.
The centres will be designed to offer the finest through-life care for dementia patients, reducing the need for them to be transferred from residential care to specialist units as their condition deteriorates.
A consultation last year resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response to the plans.
Officers are now in talks with potential providers to determine who best shares the authority’s vision and who can offer the excellent standard of care required.
Liz Staples, cabinet member for adult wellbeing, said the county was aware of the issue two years ago and had been planning to deal with it ever since.
She said: “Dementia is the biggest challenge facing the whole country and it is essential this issue is tackled head on to ensure we’re providing effective care and support.
“We have always said we will plan for the longer term in Staffordshire and this is exactly what we’re doing.
“We believe working with others who can invest in this issue will have many benefits in the long term and allow us to give people the care and support they need.
“We want these centres to offer those with dementia the best care possible at whatever stage of their condition, giving them the stability they need and helping them live as full a life as possible.
“Ultimately, we want to give people coping with dementia a better quality of life and dignity as their condition changes.
“This innovative approach will mean we are ready to meet the challenges dementia poses.”
