In celebration of Age Positive week, I have been focussing on concerns that affect many older people, such as health and social care issues, funding for long-term care, access to services and the difficulties that present as regards our community transport, the lack of EMI beds and the Care in the Community agenda – all issues of which I have dealt with in my role as your Assembly Member.
The demography of Aberconwy that sees us with the highest population of over 85 year olds in Wales means that more resources are required, if we are to be able to support those who need and deserve the appropriate care and health provision.
Such are my concerns that I recently met with the new Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport, Mr Vaughan Gething AM to highlight the difficulties that many of my constituents are facing as regards orthopaedic services such as knee and hip replacements, and the huge delays in first diagnosis and then the required access to treatment. It is clear that the current model is not working and there needs to be a strategic review of such immediately.
Another issue that must be confronted by the new Government here in Wales is much improved support for those suffering with dementia.
I want to see Wales become the first dementia-friendly nation in the UK. Wales has the lowest diagnosis rate in the whole of the UK – only 43% of those with dementia are given a formal diagnosis, compared to 64% in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Appallingly, 1 in 10 of those diagnosed were not given any support at all in the first year after their diagnosis. It is truly shocking and saddening to imagine that, after the distress suffered by someone given such a diagnosis, the vital support they need is simply not available.
Our Welsh Conservatives debate next week will highlight these issues and more, calling on the Welsh Government to recognise the valuable contribution made to Welsh society by older people. Our Older people have given so much over the years. They have worked hard, they have paid their fair share of tax and yet give so much still to our local communities. We must not and should not let them down in their years of need.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with dementia or any other illness and are unable to access any support, please contact me at [email protected], or drop into my office for an information sheet and details of where help is available.