Alzheimer's Society comment on Health Select Committee Report

The report, which follows the Committee's enquiry into Social Care, also identifies the need to face the issue of the funding gap between the number of people who need care and the amount of money currently in the system. The Committee makes recommendations for integration through commissioning.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This report reiterates the need for a long-overdue overhaul of the crumbling system of care. People with dementia are some of the hardest hit by existing failures. They often require health and social care - from help with everyday tasks such as washing, eating and dressing, to medication. Integrating the composite parts of the existing system is vital.

'We are delighted to see the Health Select Committee joining the call for a fairer deal for all people who need care. The best proposal of how to end the unacceptable financial burden on vulnerable people is from the Dilnot Commission; but we desperately need more money too. If we don't act now, the spiralling number of people being forced into hospital because of insufficient care threatens to bankrupt the NHS.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

• For more information on this topic see our Charging for care campaign