The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to consider reports on dementia prevalence and support in Haringey, as well as an update on the Better Care Fund's performance metrics. The meeting will also include verbal updates on the transition of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to a new structure and neighbourhood initiatives.

Dementia in Haringey

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on dementia in Haringey, with detailed reports outlining the current situation and future projections. The documents indicate that an estimated 2,206 people aged 65 and over were living with dementia in Haringey in December 2025, a figure projected to rise by 61% to 3,156 by 2045. The reports highlight that 65% of those aged 65 and over living with dementia in Haringey had a formal diagnosis in 2025, a rate consistent with London and England averages.

The discussion is likely to cover the definition of dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), with MCI being identified as a key point for early intervention. Evidence suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity and cardiovascular health, can delay or reduce the progression of MCI to dementia. The Dementia Friendly Haringey initiative, which aims to create a more understanding and supportive environment for people with dementia, will also be a topic. This initiative involves dialogue with residents, delivering awareness sessions, and encouraging organisations to join the scheme. The Dementia Reference Group's work will also be presented, detailing their focus on early diagnosis, community support, self-care, and addressing housing concerns. Current issues in care, including challenges faced by carers in hospital and care home settings, are also scheduled for discussion.

Better Care Fund Update

The meeting will receive an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2025/26, focusing on its performance metrics. The BCF is a national programme designed to integrate health and social care services, with Haringey's efforts underpinned by a partnership between the North Central London Integrated Care Board and the London Borough of Haringey. The BCF's policy objectives for 2025/26 centre on shifting from sickness to prevention and supporting people to live independently, facilitating a move from hospital to home.

Key metrics to be discussed include emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over, discharge delays, and admissions to long-term residential or nursing care for the same age group. Supporting metrics such as avoidable admissions and falls in those aged 65 and over will also be reviewed. The report pack provides a summary of progress against these metrics for the first three quarters of the year, indicating performance against targets for emergency admissions, discharge delays, and residential admissions. The narrative sections detail the performance trends, highlighting factors such as seasonal illness, winter pressures, and increased patient acuity as contributing to variations in emergency admissions. Issues affecting performance, including data quality, staff shortages, and complex discharge cases, are also outlined.

Other Agenda Items

The board is also scheduled to receive verbal updates on the transition of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to its new structure. Additionally, an update on Neighbourhoods will be provided, including participation in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Local Government Association (LGA) Neighbourhoods Support Programme. Members will also have the opportunity to suggest future agenda items.