MPs back our campaign to 'Put Care Right'

Published 14 February 2008

On 4 February 2008 the Alzheimer's Society held a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons with the aim of raising awareness of our 'Putting Care Right' campaign.

The parliamentary reception bought people with dementia, their carers and Alzheimer's Society staff together with over fifty parliamentarians to highlight opportunities for improving standards of care for people with dementia in care homes.

Guests impressed on parliamentarians the importance of introducing compulsory dementia training for all care home staff as well as tougher regulation and improved support from other health and social care services.

Anne Carpenter, YPWD Development Worker from the Blaenau Gwent Branch, said

'Gerald Seddons and I thoroughly enjoyed the event on Monday; not only did our local MP (Dai Davies) take on board what was said he has given me some good local contacts to raise awareness with and is also going to visit our project.'

Empowering people with information

At the reception Alzheimer's Society staff were able to raise the the need for compulsory training for all care home staff and Tony Robinson launched our guide, 'Putting Care Right: Your guide to choosing a care home', which is aimed at helping anyone seeking a care home for a person with dementia.

'I believe this booklet is really important and hopefully subversive. I chose a care home for my mother because of the freshly smelling paint on the walls and the carpets. I did not know the questions to ask and they are simply and clearly written here in this guide.'
Tony Robinson

A successful lobby

This parliamentary reception is part of an ongoing programme of parliamentary activity designed to;

raise awareness of Alzheimer's Society campaigns
build relationships with parliamentarians
drive dementia to the top of the political agenda.

The event was very well attended and saw good representation from all the main political parties including Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis MP, Conservative health spokespersons Stephen O'Brien MP and Anne Milton MP and Liberal Democrat Sandra Gidley MP

Following the reception over a dozen more MPs gave their backing to a parliamentary motion (Early Day Motion 594: Dementia Care in Care Homes) calling for better dementia care in care homes.

What can you do?

There are lots of ways you can help us influence politicians and policy makers.

Email your local MP using our template letter
Tell them about the importance of people with dementia and carers having access to a variety of high quality services
Ask them to sign EDM 594: Dementia Care in Care Homes