Alzheimer's Society comment on new report on individual budgets

Published 21 October 2008

Individual budgets can give people more choice, flexibility and control over their personal care, as well as a better quality of life, according to a pilot scheme evaluation report launched today.

The independent evaluation was conducted by a combined team of five university research units. It found that individual budgets had particular benefits for mental health service users and younger disabled people.

'Individual budgets have the potential to give people more choice and control over their care and make more effective use of resources. However, the system will only work hand in hand with access to information which allows people to make informed decisions. People need a named professional who can help navigate a complex and confusing system and get access to the best quality care.

'The social care system is already buckling under the strain of dementia. With the numbers of people living with the condition set to soar, personalisation can only work if it works for people with dementia.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society