Dementia care hubs say funding could be pulled
BBCTwo day centres serving people living with dementia in Leicestershire have said their future could be under threat if funding is cut by the local integrated care board (ICB).
Charity Age UK, which runs the centres, said the facilities in Birstall and Melton Mowbray could close if the board decides to withdraw funding as part of a shake-up of dementia services when it approves its 2026-27 budget.
Staff and family members of those who attend the centres have said they would be "heartbroken" if the centres were forced to close.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB said it was working closely with partners to "make sure people living with dementia and their carers continue to receive support".
The centres provide a space for people with dementia so their carers can have some time away from their duties.
Val Capewell, 83, said the Birstall service, which is open two days a week, is a "lifesaver" for her husband John.
"John absolutely loves his time here," she said. "It gives us both a break.
"John is happy with company around him and things happening.
"To come here it's been a life-changer. He's very happy. I leave him and he never complains."
Capewell said she would be "devastated" if the service had to close.
"It would be very difficult particularly for me and for John because he gets bored and fed up at home and that's when we have more problems," she said.
"It keeps me sane. It gives me a chance to see my friends, just keep in touch with people. It gives me a chance to keep life going."
The ICB said the current funding will stop at the end of March, with a new dementia support service, which will include a "redesigned element" for day care, being introduced in October.
The board has not confirmed what the new element will look like or if will include any funding for the two services.
In the meantime, the board is finalising details of a six-month grant extension, which will bridge the gap between now and the new agreement.
However, Tony Donovan, executive director of Age UK in Leicestershire and Rutland, said following a meeting with the ICB, he had "serious concerns" the almost £80,000 of funding provided to the charity last year will not continue.
Peter Jones, whose wife Jane uses the service, said removing funding would be a "false economy" as the money would then have to be spent looking after people who suffer following its closure.
"I know when I drop her off, she's happy and I'm content," he said. "I know people who care for people here, if they don't have this service they could really need some help."
Donna Wheatley, daycare organiser manager, said the service was "massively used and massively needed".
"I think if we don't get the funding to keep the service, the people that use it could deteriorate very quickly," she said.
"It's heartbreaking. You spend every day with these people. They become your family.
"It's desperate and these people need the help."
A spokesperson for the ICB said it was "committed to maintaining a level of continuity for people who are supported by the current services" over the next six months.
"We hope that Age UK will work with us constructively over this transition period in the best interests of service users, families and carers," they said.
"Supporting people with dementia, and the families who care for them, remains a key priority for our health and care system, and we must ensure we can provide safe and effective services for everyone who needs them."
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