Fix care crisis now

'This CSCI report is confirmation of what people with dementia and carers across the country know. The care system is in crisis with the Government unwilling to ensure investment to help people with serious medical conditions.

Additional investment in the NHS has not been mirrored in social care. Inevitably the result has been that as need increases, local authorities skew what care there is available to people with high levels of need. Thousands of people who need extra help to remain independent are being ignored. This trend is the opposite to the Government's stated policy to improve preventative and low level services.

We are well beyond the need for policy papers and fine words. The Government needs to prepare a rescue investment plan for social care services. Next month the Alzheimer's Society will publish a Dementia UK report showing that the UK is facing a substantial increase in the number of people with dementia in the years ahead. It's time to decide whether as a society we are willing to support some of our most vulnerable people or instead to force families to struggle on.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society