A fairer system of charging for care

We have called for our political parties to commit to a new care system that delivers better quality care for people with dementia and their carers at a fair price. However, any recommendations must take into account people with dementia. Alzheimer's Society has developed a five point test to verify whether any new proposals eliminate the dementia tax that leaves thousands in the UK paying huge bills for their care.

1. Early intervention Does a new system of funding ensure that people can access care far earlier in their condition than at present, before their needs become more complex? Currently most local authorities only provide access to care when care needs are judged to be critical or substantial. The National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee have both reported that people with dementia and carers only get help far too late.
2. Dementia Tax Will a new system reduce the catastrophic costs faced by people with dementia, their carers and families?  For example, does any cap on fees include the cost of care in people's own homes and the total package of care in care homes? If a cap only includes a partial element of the care in care homes then it will not protect people from high costs. 
3. Carers Does a new system of funding and charging for care recognise the contribution made by family carers who provide £119 billion of care? This will require that greater support in terms of information and support services is available, but also that the carer contribution is recognised through the charging system.
4. Quality Can a new system guarantee better quality of care for people living with long term conditions? There need to be guarantees in place about the quality of care that people can expect, backed by a system of regulation which is able to ensure that quality is being delivered. This is something that the current Care Quality Commission has not been set up to do.
5. Simplicity Is a new system easy for people to understand so that they can plan for future care needs?