Continuing confusion not continuing care

Condemning proposals, Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'This framework will lead to continuing confusion not continuing care. It falls far short of government promises, lacks direction, insight and logistical planning for proper change.

'Rather than wasting millions on a broken system, we need realistic national debate into who pays for care. This is the only way we can end the confusion and mayhem that denies proper care and leaves thousands desolate each year.'

In a submission to the Department of Health, the Society condemns serious flaws in the framework such as its:

• Failure to explain who will get fully funded care, resulting in a continued postcode lottery
• Failure to recognise the complexity of mental health needs, discriminating against people with mental health conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease
• Failure to address training needs of assessors so all assessments can be standardised and based on expert clinical judgement
• Failure to address the wide variation in the number of continuing healthcare places for people with dementia between areas of the country.