Government officials are working together to produce the long-awaited strategy, but a completion date is yet to be revealed.
During a Scrutiny hearing, Deputy Kevin Pamplin asked what was being done to address the issue, with the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association recently revealing that the number of people seeking its support had risen by 235% since 2012.
In response, Assistant Health Minister Steve Pallett said work was taking place, and it was important that it happened quickly.
Senator Pallett said: ‘I have spoken with Sean Pontin of the Jersey Alzheimer’s Society recently about this and the strong need for the strategy.
‘The dementia strategy covers a great deal of things with a lot of issues; it is not just about care.
‘It is about prevention, diagnosis, making sure there is early intervention and support for carers – and that is a real issue.
‘It does need to be concentrated on. There is a gap and it is a gap that is going to have to be dealt with quickly.’
Health Minister Richard Renouf also told the Scrutiny panel that funding contracts for third-sector organisations would be longer than 12 months in the future.
Deputy Pamplin said the 12-month contracts currently given to charities and the third sector left them not knowing whether they had security in the years ahead.
