A fairer system of charging for care

Alzheimer's Society believes that radical change is needed to the system of charging for care, to make it fairer for people with dementia and their carers.

The current system of charging for care, such as help with eating, using the toilet and bathing, hits people with dementia hardest. This is because the majority of care that people with dementia need, is classed as social care, which is means tested, and not provided free on the NHS.

Angela Smith cared for her husband and her mother, who both had dementia. Watch her story to understand why the care system is failing people with dementia.

People with dementia are willing to make a contribution towards the cost of care, but want a system that clearly and fairly shares the cost of care between the individual and the state.  It is also equally important that people are able to access more and better quality care services.

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.