Dementia rates are expected to rise by 40% over the next 13 years with more than 7,000 people living with the condition in Wirral.
Councillors discussed a proposed dementia strategy to improve care for those with dementia and those caring for them.
By 2035, the number of residents living with dementia will increase by 2,000 as Wirral Council aims to deliver “a higher quality of care for residents with dementia.”
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Cllr Jordan asked: "What are we doing to increase diagnostic rates and reduce the waiting times? The waiting times can take years especially for those who are younger who's GPs who might not recognise it."
She also said support for those who find out they have dementia “has to be top notch. There is no point having early dementia diagnosis and then leaving them in limbo.”
Wirral Council aims to increase awareness, diagnose earlier, and provide a higher quality of care for residents with dementia.
A report said: “It is important that individuals with dementia and those who care for them have the best possible healthcare and support.”
Cllrs Ivan Camphor and Mary Jordan spoke of their parents who had dementia. Cllr Camphor said: “It means a lot to see this report.”
Despite rises in the number of people living with dementia, the cost of medication is going down halving in five years from 2014 to 2019.
Cllrs Jason Walsh and Chair Yvonne Nolan said that more detail was needed so that the aims of the strategy could be achieved.
Cllr Walsh said: “As a critique of the actual plan, there is very little detail of measurables. There is very little details on the how. How are we measuring awareness? How are we encouraging professionals?” Cllr Nolan agreed, adding “How will we know when we have got there?”
According to Cllr Jordan, it is possible to monitor the performance of GP services and care commissioning groups (CCGs) in terms of diagnosis targets. CCGs are public bodies responsible for commissioning NHS and other health services on a local level.
The committee approved the strategy but referred it to the Wirral Place Partnership board to discuss implementation.
The council also showed councillors the new State of the Borough interactive page they are hoping will keep people informed and track the council’s progress as it aims to close gaps
Cllr Gilchrist said health inequalities in the Wirral were like a “running sore” and said the council “needs to do whatever we can” to close gaps in life expectancy and wellbeing.
The council also discussed progress in supporting adults with disabilities to live independently.
After a question from Cllr Camphor expressed concern about funding given the council’s financial troubles, Jayne Marshall who is involved in the council’s carers strategy said they are constantly reviewing efficiency of the service.
Mrs Marshall added: “We want people to be as independent as possible and are constantly reviewing people’s cases so that independence is at the top of the agenda.”
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