Cllr Liz StaplesAMBITIOUS plans for Staffordshire to become a national leader in dementia care will be outlined by Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet.
The authority is forging ahead with plans to create ‘Centres of Excellence’ for dementia care, including one that will be based in East Staffordshire.
The centres will offer the finest ‘through-life care’ for dementia patients, reducing the need 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 project.
Now, officers are in talks with potential providers to determine who best shares the county council’s vision, and who can offer the excellent standard of care required.
The plans are due to be discussed at the county council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
If agreed, it means the county council can move ahead with its Centres of Excellence for Dementia and Ageing Well project and look for a suitable partner to help get it up and running.
Liz Staples (above), county council cabinet member for adult wellbeing, said: “Dementia is the biggest challenge facing the whole country and it is essential that 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 that working in partnership 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 that they need and helping them to 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 that we are ready to meet the challenges that dementia poses to individuals.”
