The Jersey Alzheimer's Association (JAA) has criticised the Government of Jersey for its handling of the coronavirus crisis in relation to those living with dementia. It has expressed frustration at its advice being “ignored” and said that the Government has “overlooked care and support” for Jersey residents, including people with dementia, carers and people awaiting test results. The JAA also warned that lockdown measures preventing contact between people with dementia and their families have had a detrimental effect. Social or physical distancing is causing people to lose recognition of loved ones and to deteriorate more rapidly, according to reports the JAA has received from families and care home staff. The association urges the Government to take action.
Providing support for islanders started to become increasingly difficult for the JAA after the temporary closure of its Memory Assessment Clinic, with staff being redeployed. “We understand the need to consider all options at this unprecedented time however no skeleton staff team was left to support people with dementia, those waiting for results of tests or carers in crisis. JAA became the main signpost for all dementia support and only because of the good will and absolute commitment of key Health & Social Care practitioners to go the extra mile have clients had anywhere close to the support needed” the association commented.
A “different style of communication” was also suggested for the Government’s messaging around lockdown measures. The JAA recommended, for example, that messages be sent in an easy-to-understand manner via newspapers and local radio rather than on social media. As a result of what has been, in the association’s view, a less than optimal approach to communication and the fact that details of its supports were excluded from the Government’s “Connect Me” support hub, despite repeated requests, the JAA has had to spend “significant amounts” of its own funds. These have been used on print advertising, informing Jersey residents about available services and support.
Health and Social Services Minister Deputy Richard Renouf responded to the JAA’s criticisms, saying that the Government of Jersey has used a wide range of non-digital communication channels to reach islanders. “We hugely value and appreciate the tremendous impact that voluntary and charitable organisations make and the increase in demand many have experienced over recent months. We have been and continue to help them to access additional resources – both human and financial – to support them in continuing their invaluable work. “While some of our usual services for those suffering from cognitive difficulties or dementia have temporarily closed for the safety of their clients and staff, we are working on ways to start reopening them soon”, said Mr Renouf. “Protecting our most vulnerable Islanders has been the Government’s priority since the start of the pandemic. There are many factors that have led large numbers of people to be considered ‘vulnerable’ and the Government has sought to consider and address these as comprehensively as possible.” Deputy Richard Renouf also insisted that the Government had been working together with Jersey Alzheimer's Association and other voluntary organisations, since the beginning of the pandemic.
