Many people have a positive experience of community activities but involvement has been limited by Covid-19.
Lead Organisation: Flintshire County Council
The consultation for the Flintshire Dementia Strategy included a survey around 50 people plus additional information collected at online meetings and from third sector partners.
The findings supported the priorities in the North Wales Dementia Strategy and the Welsh Government Dementia Action. The consultation also identified some local insights which will be used to develop specific actions as part of the Flintshire Dementia Strategy. Other findings included:
- Dementia is perceived as a disease that is becoming more widespread in Flintshire, year-on-year. Awareness and understanding of dementia has improved, but there is still room for improvement to increase knowledge and remove myths across the wider population, especially younger people.
- There is a fear and stigma relating to dementia, and that diagnosis can prevent a person or their loved ones from living well. Connecting people and sharing positive stories can help.
- The assessment and diagnosis process is seen to take too long for some people, with lengthy waiting times, uncertainty about next steps and limited support throughout the experience.
- There are lots of positive experiences of community action and engagement, with a demand for new groups, cafes and activities, particularly in rural areas. Community engagement and involvement has been impacted greatly by Covid-19 restrictions. Additional organisational and financial support will be required to enable things to restart and new things to start.
- Access to flexible care and respite services and community activities can be limited, and this is compounded by local transport challenges.