£800,000 to fund four new dementia units in Gwynedd

GWYNEDD Council has approved an £800,000 investment to fund four new dementia units across the county.

According to cabinet members, who unanimously passed the annual funding package, the need to invest in council-run dementia provision has intensified following the closure of two private homes over the past six months.

In May, Dolgellau’s Llwyn residential home closed its doors followed by the Penisarwaun nursing residential home two months later.

In light of the increasing need, the report to Tuesday’s cabinet meeting recommended that an annual figure of £808,000 should be spent on staffing four brandnew specialist dementia units at Llys Cadfan in Tywyn, Plas Hafan in Nefyn, Plas Hedd in Bangor and Llan Ffestiniog’s Bryn Blodau.

Building work has already been completed on three of the specialist units with Bryn Blodau expected to be completed by the end of June 2019, including adapting parts of the residential units so that they are suitable for those with dementia.

Council leader Dyfrig Siencyn described the plan as “pioneering” and paid tribute to the work carried out by both the authority and local health board.

Welcoming the funding package, Cllr Dafydd Meurig said: “This is a lot of money but when we consider the challenges ahead of us and the change in demography, it is something we need to tackle now.

“I appreciate the work that’s gone in and back these proposals 100%”

The specialist dementia units form part of the joint efforts of Gwynedd Council with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to ensure older people have access to the specialist care and health services they need within their community.

Each unit will be a home for 7 or 8 individuals.

Staff recruitment is set to get under way during early 2019.