Health accused of overlooking virus needs of people with dementia

Health accused of overlooking virus needs of people with dementia

Jersey Alzheimer’s Association says those living with dementia have been overlooked, although the Health Minister has defended the government’s approach.

Association chief executive Sean Pontin said that concerns had been raised in mid-March about how key issues relating
to the pandemic should be communicated to the estimated 1,600 people with dementia.

Mr Pontin said that a lot of communication was based on the internet and social media, failing to account for those who were uncomfortable with such platforms.

‘JAA feels that the Government of Jersey has worked extremely hard and should be applauded for its efforts to focus and mobilise key services at a difficult time,’ he said. ‘Sadly however, the government has also chosen to ignore advice, comment and requests from JAA and has risked overlooking the care and support of older people and those with cognitive difficulties or dementia.’

The association has also criticised a strategy announcement regarding difficult decisions facing doctors should the crisis deepen, saying that prior notice would have enabled the distress caused to those with dementia to be minimised.

Mr Pontin said that the closure of the Memory Assessment Clinic at Overdale had created further difficulties.

‘We understand the need to consider all options at this unprecedented time, however no skeleton team was left to support people with dementia, those waiting for results of tests, or carers in crisis,’ he said. ‘There is an absolute and urgent need for a plan from the government that supports this most vulnerable group through this crisis and not rely on charities.’

Health Minister Richard Renouf said: ‘We are committed to working closely with the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, and we hugely value the tremendous impact that voluntary and charitable organisations make and the increase in demand many have experienced over recent months. We continue to help them to access additional resources – both human and financial – to support them.’

Deputy Renouf said that protecting vulnerable Islanders had been a priority since the start of the pandemic, and that a range of channels and formats had been used to communicate key messages.

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