Deadline looms for consultation on Welsh dementia action plan

Welsh Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths is urging the public to get involved in the consultation process for the National Dementia Action Plan for Wales before the deadline of 11 September 2009. The Action Plan was announced in June and introduces new measures to meet the needs of dementia sufferers and their carers as well as raising awareness of dementia and reducing the stigma that surrounds the illness. Other areas covered include end of life care, housing issues and how patients can be cared for more effectively in their own homes, for example, by using new technologies such as telecare. The implementation of the Action Plan is a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government, which recognises that it must be suitably equipped to deal with an estimated 35% rise in dementia sufferers over the next 20 years. Ms Griffiths comments: ‘There will be a rapidly growing need for dementia care right across Wales in future years. In Wrexham, for example, it is anticipated that the number of sufferers aged over 75 years old, will increase by a staggering 60% by the year 2021. This tells us why we need this Plan in place now.’ To find out more about the National Dementia Action Plan for Wales and how you can get involved in the consultation process, visit the Welsh Assembly Government website.