Healthwatch York is asking people to share their experiences of dementia support in York. Their aim is to develop a real understanding of what is working well, and where improvements still need to be made. Healthwatch York was set up as an independent consumer champion for people using health and care services. The aim of this work is to understand people’s experiences to create a report that is useful to people living with dementia and carers.
This will help shape the new Dementia Strategy for York, so it is vital the voices of those living with dementia are heard.
Liz Belsey, Research Officer at Healthwatch York confirmed:
“We want to hear from people with lived experience, the experts on living with dementia. As part of our work we have developed two surveys, one for people with dementia, one for people caring for people with dementia. This is just one of the tools we will be using to understand experiences locally. We also want to continue working with people living with dementia, carers and local support organisations to find other ways of encouraging people to share their stories in ways that suit them.”
The surveys are open until 7 September and can be accessed by clicking the button below.
Copies of the survey in any other format can be requested by contacting the Healthwatch York office: by email at healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk or by phone on 01904 621133.
People can also call to talk through the questions with a member of the team if they would prefer to do this.
In order to reach as many people as possible and support people to have their say, Healthwatch York is working with a wide range of local organisations who work with people living with dementia and carers. This includes York Minds and Voices, Dementia Forward, Older Citizens Advocacy York, Alzheimer’s Society, and local Social Prescribing Link Workers.
Jillian Quinn of Dementia Forward said:
“At Dementia Forward we are delighted to be part of the work to ensure that York has a Dementia Strategy. We support people from pre-diagnosis to end of life and dementia can be a complex journey. There are many valuable resources and organisations to offer support but we need to join the dots for people and make the access to this support straightforward and accessible. We also need to ensure that there is a quality to this support and that there is no wrong door. This work brings all partners together, including those people living with the condition, and in doing so creates a more robust and comprehensive support for people living with dementia in York.”
Gill Cree, Dementia Connect Local Services Manager at Alzheimer’s Society York and Selby, added:
“Putting the experiences of people affected by dementia at the heart of planning dementia services in York is absolutely vital, so the Alzheimer’s Society is excited about this opportunity for people affected by dementia in York to let us know what is important to them.”
Ruth Potter, Charity Manager at OCAY said:
“OCAY fully support the need for this survey. It will help organisations in York understand the needs of people living with dementia as well as the needs of their carers. This will help us all improve our services and make sure that people living with dementia get the support that they want.”
Siân Balsom, Healthwatch York Manager confirmed:
“The support of all these organisations is vital. So we’re letting people know that a health professional who is already supporting you may offer to help complete this survey with you. For those who don’t want to complete a survey, we’re asking you to consider sharing your story or an important experience with them instead for this report. Taking part is completely voluntary. But we know how powerful people’s stories can be to help bring about real change where needed, and to celebrate what is working well.”
The survey can also be completed by going to the Healthwatch York website.