Key improvements to dementia care support services to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent

Improvements to dementia care support services across Stoke-on-Trent are set to be introduced to help people diagnosed with the condition, and their families, live as independently as possible.

A key set of recommendations has been outlined following a wide-reaching review into the support available for people with dementia, and their carers, across the city. The review was launched in response to the growing number of people affected by the condition—currently more than 3,000 in Stoke-on-Trent—with figures expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

A Community-Led Review

The review focused on post-diagnosis support, better integration of services, and ensuring care for carers remains sustainable. Evidence was gathered from the lived experiences of families alongside professionals from:

• The Alzheimer’s Society
• Approach Dementia Support
• Dougie Mac
• North Staffs Carers
• ASIST Advocacy
• The Beth Johnson Foundation

The study also specifically considered how the needs of diverse groups are met, including people with Down Syndrome and those from various ethnic backgrounds.

Core Recommendations for Change

The following improvements are set to be implemented across the city:

• Specialist Referrals: Encouraging GPs to refer patients and carers directly to specialist organisations like Dougie Mac and Approach Dementia Services to foster social interaction.
• Social Prescribing: Ensuring those with a diagnosis are linked to non-medical community activities and support groups.
• Marrow House Hub: Establishing a "one-stop-shop" service hub at Marrow House in Longton, providing a central point for information and activities.
• Dedicated Advocacy: Ensuring timely support for patients to understand their rights and make informed choices.
• Citywide Mapping: A comprehensive exercise to catalogue every support pathway and organisation available in the region.

“In carrying out this review it was agreed to focus on the effectiveness of health and social care support from diagnosis onwards, not just for people living with dementia, but also for their carers.

“The improvements are based on lived experiences of people affected by dementia – we wanted to understand a family’s journey in order to understand some of the challenges that people affected by the condition face.”

— Councillor Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

These improvements will contribute to the ongoing Joint Dementia Strategy, developed in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board.