Receiving health and care services through the medium of Welsh is a need, not a choice. There is a high level of recognition of this need in the Government's strategic framework, More than Just Words: ‘Care and language go hand in hand and the quality of care can be compromised by the failure to communicate with people in their first language.'
Despite this commitment by the Government to promote the use of Welsh in health and care and that Welsh language standards are in place for the sector, there is no guarantee that people will be able to receive health and care services through the medium of Welsh. Much more action and funding is needed to make that happen, with an emphasis on workforce development.
Recommendations on improving health and care services for people living with dementia.
Raising awareness of the need for population assessments conducted under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 to take better account of the care needs of Welsh speakers.
Raising awareness of the importance of developing a health and care workforce that can provide services in Welsh.
Welsh speakers' dementia care
Receiving health and care services through the medium of Welsh is a need, not a choice.
There is no guarantee that people will be able to receive health and care services through the medium of Welsh.
Much more action and funding is needed to ensure health and care services in Welsh.