The issue of dementia and the difficulties posed by an ageing population were the focus of a conference at the Technium in Pembroke Dock on Friday.
Entitled ‘Meeting the Challenges of an Ageing Population’, the conference for the 50+ Network in Pembrokeshire was attended by a wide range of people with experience of dementia.
Among the speakers were Ian Thomas, UK Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Cymru, and Wendy Bourton, Chair of the National Partnership Forum which provides advice to the Welsh Assembly Government on policies and issues affecting older people.
Other speakers included Jon Skone, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Director of Social Care, Councillor David Wildman, Older Person’s Champion, Keith Williams of Mental Health Advocacy Providers, Beryl Thomas-Cleaver, Chair of the 50+ Central Forum, Judith Bowen, Dignity in Care Coordinator, and Sarah Oakwood, Three Counties Dementia Care Trainer with Hywel Dda Health Board.
Delegates had the opportunity to question the speakers as well as take part in discussion groups, which covered many issues affecting people with dementia and their carers.
The aims of the day were to provide the 50+ network with an opportunity to share their visions and experiences of dementia care, and contribute to the development of Pembrokeshire Dementia Care Services.
The conference was organised by the Pembrokeshire 50+ Central Forum.
Ann Edmunds, Older People Strategy Coordinator, said: “Each person experiences dementia in their own way and the illness progresses differently for everyone. This is why providing the right care at the right time is so essential. The valuable information gained will ensure that those with dementia and their carers know where to go to when they need assistance.”
