A specialist dementia service helping people across south Powys to remain safely in their own homes is demonstrating significant benefits for patients and their families.
The South Powys Dementia Home Treatment Team (DHTT), part of Powys Teaching Health Board’s community-based dementia care services, supported 108 people last year (2025-26), including 96 people accessing the service for the first time.
The service provides specialist interventions for people living with dementia who are experiencing complex needs and complements a longer-established service covering the north of the county. Their work helps avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and allows more Powys residents to maintain their independence.
A total of 102 people supported by the South Powys DHTT last year were able to maintain their independence and avoid hospital admission. Just two hospital admissions were recorded during the reporting period, highlighting the effectiveness of the team’s person-centred approach.
The DHTTs works closely with patients, families, carers and partner organisations, providing rapid support, with face-to-face contact typically taking place within 24 to 48 hours of referral. The teams use specialist dementia care approaches, including the internationally recognised Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care model, which has now been embedded into care planning across the service.
Recent developments have strengthened the service further, including the addition of an experienced qualified social worker with expertise in safeguarding, discharge planning and mental capacity legislation. The team has also continued to work closely with Powys County Council Social Services to ensure coordinated support for people living with dementia.
Elaine Lorton, Executive Director of Primary, Community Care & Mental Health, Powys Teaching Health Board said:
“The Dementia Home Treatment Teams are making a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia across Powys. By providing rapid, specialist and person-centred support in people’s own homes, they are helping individuals maintain their independence while reducing the need for hospital admission.
“The teams’ commitment to innovative approaches, including the Teepa Snow model, and their close partnership working with social care colleagues are delivering positive outcomes for patients, families and carers. We are extremely proud of the impact the service continues to have, and the dedication shown by staff in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Looking ahead, the service plans to further expand specialist training opportunities for staff, including Teepa Snow training and dementia mapping, while continuing to develop and share best practice in dementia care mapping across Powys.
The South Powys Dementia Home Treatment Team (DHTT) is funded through the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF), supported by the Powys Regional Partnership Board and Age Well Board. The team covering the north of the county is funded through Powys Teaching Health Board’s core budget.
The DHTTs are accessed by referral from a health professional.
Feature image: Members of the Powys Dementia Home Treatment Team in the south of the county, which is funded through the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund (RIF).
