Alzheimer's Society comment on 'Charging into Poverty?'

Published 4 June 2008

This report confirms the shocking truth that social care charges are hitting vulnerable older people harder than ever.

There are 700, 000 people living with dementia in the UK and this will rise to over a million people in less than 20 years. What sort of society do we live in where people are forced to make huge sacrifices to pay for essential care?
Dementia is not a natural part of getting older; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. People who need help with washing, eating and dressing should not have to choose between buying groceries or vital care.
Quality of care must also improve alongside funding. People may be willing to make a contribution, but not for poor quality care which continually lets them down.

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Further information

Alzheimer's Society will hold national protests around the country on Friday, 20 June 2008 to highlight the way people with dementia are being hit hardest, paying huge prices for low quality care. For further information please call 020 7423 3595.

Rising costs of care and tightening of access to care services by local councils means many people are not eligible for basic support including help with tasks such as washing, dressing and eating. People either have to pay privately for help or go without.

Carers contribute £6bn of the £17bn dementia cost the UK a year in unpaid help.