Alzheimer's Society comment on the government's Dignity campaign
Published 21 May 2008
People with dementia are entitled to the same dignity and quality of care as any other patient, but the symptoms of this devastating condition can make this a real challenge.
People may find their dignity is compromised by problems with communication. In these situations the support of dementia trained care staff can make all the difference to their quality of life.
It is encouraging to see the government wants dignity at the heart of the new NHS constitution, supported by a national awareness campaign.
There are 700,000 people living with dementia in the UK and if we live past 65, one in three of us will die with dementia. Dignity and quality of care is key to supporting those affected and needs to be considered in the country's first-ever National Dementia Strategy due out later this year.
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
(Reference - http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Socialcarereform/Dignityincare/index.htm)
