Islington Dementia Strategy
Our dementia strategy sets out how we will achieve our vision for Islington to be a place where residents are supported on the dementia journey; from prevention to diagnosis through to end of life.
We want residents to have the information and advice about dementia prevention and services to make the best choices for themselves. We want residents with dementia and their carers to receive care and support from compassionate services that are responsive to the individual. We want Islington to be a place where people affected by dementia are valued and supported to live well and be active participants in the community.
Our services
Islington is rich in services that help residents reduce the risk of dementia, provide post-diagnosis care, and promote a good quality of life for those affected. These services are delivered by the council, health services, voluntary and community sector services and the private sector. Working in partnership to connect resources across sectors will help to create an improved dementia offer that is greater than the sum of its parts. We recognise the importance of communicating that offer in a way that promotes awareness and improves the experience of residents as they navigate Islington’s services.
Partnership
The Islington Borough Partnership is committed to this vision, created with the residents of Islington and the people who support them. The Partnership includes:
- Islington Council
- North Central London Integrated Care Board
- North London Foundation Trust
- Whittington Health
- University College London Hospitals
- Islington GP Federation
- Healthwatch Islington
- representatives of the Islington Voluntary and Community Sector.
Together, these partners will work to make Islington a place where people affected by dementia are valued and supported and to deliver on the commitments to make the vision a reality. Our commitments will be monitored by both the partnership and residents.
We recognise that dementia affects carers as much as the person living with the condition. The strategy strongly links with Islington’s priorities for carers, which are outlined in the Adult Carers Strategy 2024 - 2030.
Our priorities
Priority one: preventing avoidable dementia
Around 40% of dementia could be avoided or delayed (Reference: What Is Dementia? (alzheimers.gov), cited 14 June 2024).
Outcome by 2035
I can easily get the information, advice, care and support I need from staff who understand my needs.
Measuring progress
- Reduction in risk factors: including decrease in loneliness, smoking, and physical inactivity.
- Reduction in dementia prevalence: in the population aged 65 years and over by 2035.
Priority two: timely identification and diagnosis
Diagnosis can be a gateway to health and social care services, financial benefits, and employment support. It can help people living with dementia to understand what they are experiencing and will help their carers to better support the person they care for. It can help with planning for the future. (Reference: Dementia Information, About dementia - Dementia UK, cited 14 June 2024)
Outcome by 2035
My community and services can recognise early signs of dementia and support me to get a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Measuring progress
- Reduced waiting times for diagnosis.
- Higher diagnosis rates: especially in global majority communities and deprived areas.
Priority three: good diagnostic care and support
“I felt like a leaf floating in the ocean.”
Outcome by 2035
I can easily get the information, advice, care and support I need from staff who understand my needs.
Measuring progress
- Trained workforce: enhanced understanding of dementia needs among health and social care practitioners, with Tier Two dementia training available.
- Quality care in care homes: more residents with dementia in care homes receiving high-quality care.
- Holistic support: increased referrals from the Islington Memory Service to Integrated Care Networks for comprehensive support.
- Support for carers: more carers registered with the Islington Carer’s Hub.
Priority four: live well with dementia
“We need more places that welcome us”
Outcome by 2035
I can live as independently as possible and do the things I enjoy.
Measuring progress
- Increased awareness: greater community and workplace awareness of dementia through more information sessions.
- Independent living: residents with dementia living independently for longer, with fewer in care homes.
Priority five: choice and control – planning ahead
“I have a lot on my plate and can’t really think about my future right now”
Outcome by 2035
Decisions about my care are made according to my wishes, preferences, beliefs and values, even when I can no longer make decisions on my own.
Measuring progress
- Personalised care decisions: care decisions aligned with residents' wishes, preferences, and beliefs, with annual reviews of advanced care plans.
Making it happen
An Islington Dementia Delivery Partnership will be established and will deliver the strategy’s commitments via an action plan. The plan will set out responsibilities for each action and measure progress against each priority. The plan will continue to be developed as further opportunities are identified to improve the lives of residents.
A residents’ Dementia Steering Group will ensure residents drive and monitor progress of the strategy’s commitments and will review the action plan. The group will continually welcome new members to join.
Updates on progress will be provided to the Islington Borough Partnership annually. Members will hold each other to account for delivering against the commitments set out in this strategy.