People with dementia ‘worst hit by COVID’ - Derry & Strabane Council calls for urgent action

Derry & Strabane Councillors expressed alarm at the challenges facing those with dementia during the pandemic after national research revealed that over a quarter of those who die after testing positive for COVID-19 were people suffering dementia.

SDLP Councillor Sean Mooney, who tabled a motion a recent meeting urging the Council to help highlight and lobby for better services, said that of the 491 people waiting to access dementia services locally, the vast majority, 379 of them, have been waiting over nine weeks.

Colr. Mooney proposed the Council host a Dementia Friendly Workshop to broaden understanding and awareness among its staff so that they can better support and communicate with people with dementia, help tackle stigma and reduce barriers to accessing services

His motion also welcomed Health Minister Robin Swann’s commitment to reforming Adult Social Care and urged the Department of Health to heed the Alzheimer’s Society’s report, entitled ‘The Fog of Support: An inquiry into the provision of respite care and carers assessments for people affected by dementia’, to ensure those living with dementia are better protected now and into the future, and that care home residents’ loved ones are given key worker status.

Colr. Mooney said: “People affected by dementia have been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, facing devastation at home, in our community and in care homes. The effects of the outbreak cannot be undone but urgent action can be taken to better help people during the winter and in the future. To make this happen we need government to address the reality of lockdown for people affected by dementia. From the high death rate in care homes to the significant cognitive decline, for those who live in the community, to the rising mental health challenges from carers, the pandemic has had a severe impact while exposing our fragmented social care system for all to see.”

Sinn Féin Colr. Michaela Boyle spoke about the challenges facing older people in care homes and the spread of COVID. She said that as pressures on hospitals continue to mount, it was imperative that elderly people, particularly those with dementia in care homes, in the community and in hospitals, were treated as a priority, and that carers were properly supported.

UUP Alderman Andrew McKane expressed his support for the “very worthwhile motion.”

DUP Alderman Hilary McClintock said: “Coronavirus has hit our elderly people very hard, the isolation, the health worries, the separation at times of illness and hospitalisation when families and friends can’t visit, and for many of those suffering from dementia and their families this has proved very confusing.

“I want to pay tribute to all of those in our care homes and all those who are home carers as well for the fantastic work they do at challenging times.”

The motion was passed unanimously, with Colr. Mooney concluding: “This is matter that touches everybody, it’s a horrible disease. I’m really glad that Council has commended it.”