Caernarfon couple among those in Wales ‘let down’ by dementia care

Rhodri LewisWales political reporterBBCIdwal Owens was recognized with vascular dementia six years in the past and spouse Moira says she has obtained no assist The spouse of a dementia affected person has stated she was “dumbfounded” after solely being supplied “a wad of leaflets” after his prognosis. Idwal Owens, from Caernarfon, Gwynedd, was recognized with vascular dementia six years in the past, and his spouse Moira stated she was left to get on with it after the prognosis. The Alzheimer’s Society stated the system was “failing folks” and has carried out analysis which prompt one in 5 folks affected get no assist. The Welsh authorities stated it was dedicated to growing a brand new dementia motion plan for Wales. Mrs Owens stated: “The marketing consultant simply stated ‘oh sure, your husband’s obtained vascular dementia’, and I actually wasn’t prepared for that. I hadn’t thought something about dementia.”She was then advised there was nothing the physician might give her husband of 54 years for his dementia, and when she requested what she was imagined to do was advised “oh we’ll provide you with some leaflets”. She stated: “So that they gave me a wad of leaflets, after which goodbye, shook palms and went out via the door. Nicely, I used to be dumbfounded truly.”The Alzheimer’s Society, which helps folks with every kind of dementia, requested folks with the situation together with those that take care of them throughout Wales, England and Northern Eire concerning the quantity of assist they obtained. One in 5 of the close to 3,500 folks surveyed stated they obtained no assist after prognosis, whereas solely 29% stated care associated to dementia was simple to entry. Two in 5 folks with dementia stated they had been ashamed and felt the situation was stigmatised. Gemma Roberts from the Alzheimer’s Society stated: “There are various folks which might be actually being let down by the system and the system is failing folks. “We’re speaking about investing cash in serving to folks to dwell nicely of their houses for longer.”Gemma Roberts says many individuals are being let down by the present system The charity has known as for ministers to convey ahead a brand new motion plan for Wales after the final one expired three years in the past.Ms Roberts stated: “We have got new proof. We have got new analysis. There are actual issues we will do to make a tangible distinction.”A brand new blood take a look at for Alzheimer’s illness which might revolutionise prognosis was introduced this week, however some specialists stated they had been nervous more cash was being spent on in search of a remedy moderately than serving to folks with the situation now. Dr Gary Christopher, from Swansea College, stated: “Plenty of the cash is about future instances of dementia, however we have to assist folks now, as a result of it is basically necessary to assist folks dwell nicely and dwell independently as a lot as doable with the situation.”The Welsh authorities stated it was dedicated to a brand new dementia motion plan and could be consulting on the finish of the 12 months” to tell its improvement, drawing on the expertise of individuals with dementia and their households. “Dementia is a major well being and social care subject which impacts not solely these dwelling with dementia, however their households, pals and carers.”You may see extra on this story on Politics Wales at 10:00 BST on Sunday on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer