Dementia support guide for councils

Dementia is on the increase. It is estimated that there are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, more than ever before, and this number is projected to increase rapidly over the next few decades.

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As age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, increasing life expectancy is the driving force behind this projected rise.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be devastating for the person and their family and friends. It is important that, at this time, the person diagnosed receives appropriate and timely information, care and support to ensure that they and their carers can live as fulfilling lives as possible, and prepare for the future.

Local authorities have a unique role to play in supporting people following a diagnosis. As well as providing care and support on a statutory basis, they have a role to lead on prevention and early intervention by promoting good health and wellbeing. They also have responsibilities to provide good quality information and advice. Local authorities have an influential leadership and place shaping role in the community and have strong links with local partners. Local authorities have now been under sustained funding constraints for many years and continue to be so. Despite such pressures, this publication produced in partnership with the national DAA highlights some notable and innovative practice by councils in supporting people living with dementia after their diagnosis.