Minister praises pioneering dementia care project in Monmouthshire

Wales Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford has met the team taking a new approach to caring for older people with mental illnesses.

The Raglan Project, linked to the Gwent Frailty Programme, provides home care to people living with dementia. Five full-time staff are employed by the project, which focuses on the social, emotional and physical needs of up to 15 people.  

Staff members establish a relationship with the individual before they start to provide care and are supported by management to take decisions about how to provide care, rather than simply provide care focused on achieving certain tasks.  

Professor Prof Drakeford met with some of the people being cared for, their families and the staff working on the Raglan Project.  He said: “This project has helped people with complex care needs stay in their homes rather than moving into permanent residential care or hospital. Staff have helped people regain some independence and involvement in their local community.  

“I’m encouraged by how well this project is working. It is a good example of Monmouthshire Council working closely with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to improve the care older people with mental illnesses receive.”

The Gwent Frailty Programme is a programme which covers the five local authorities in South East Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the voluntary sector. It aims to improve the quality and sustainability of care for frail and older adults by providing integrated health and social care services. Community resource teams help people to remain independent in their own homes and prevent people being admitted to hospital unnecessarily.