Issue - meetings

Report ACH23-036

The Committee considered a report providing a summary of how the Dementia Post Diagnosis Support Service had performed over the last 12 months in addressing the requirements of the specification. This demonstrated how community-based support was a key element in meeting the Council’s statutory duties by preventing or delaying the need for more expensive accommodation / health-based provision, whilst meeting the primary aim of achieving the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for service users and their carers.

The report was presented in order to meet the requirement regarding monitoring updates for Policy Development and Scrutiny Committees. The Dementia Post Diagnosis Support, (Dementia Hub) Service was currently provided by Bromley, Lewisham, and Greenwich (BLG) Mind, in partnership with Age UK Bromley, with BLG Mind as the Lead organisation. The Dementia Hub was a specialist service that delivered a one stop support service for adults who had a diagnosis of dementia, their carers, and the professionals who supported them. The current contract was awarded to BLG Mind on 1^st July 2020 – 30^th June 2025, with the option to extend for a further 2 years.

Members noted that the contact was working well, and the Service had developed a good relationship with the provider.

In response to a question around respite care for families caring for people living with dementia, the Integrated Strategic Commissioner confirmed that there were a couple of options with the assessment identifying the most suitable package of care.  A respite home service was available as was overnight stay respite.  The Dementia Hub also provided opportunities for carers to have a break.  It was noted that there was lots going on and there was a vibrant offer in the Borough.

In response to a further question, the Committee noted that there were a number of referral pathways with referrals generally addressed within 10 days.

It was agreed that details of the Befriending Service would be provided to Members who could share the information in the wider community.

In response to a question, the Director of Adult Social Care confirmed that following the winter, the Saxon Centre would be closing for essential maintenance.  Officers were currently working with Age Concern to ensure that support continued to be provided to service users during the period of the closure.

RESOLVED that the contract monitoring report on the performance of BLG Mind be noted.