Alzheimer's Society comment on Green Paper for funding of Adult Social Care in England

Publishing the Green Paper 'Shaping the Future of Care Together' (Tuesday, 14 July 2009) the government pledged a radical overhaul of the current charging system and welcomed debate on which model was fit for the future. The government acknowledges that people with dementia and carers are among those who pay the largest bills for care.

'Today the Big Care Debate begins on three new models of funding social care, an essential lifeline for millions of people. Only a system that delivers good care at a fair price will succeed.  Currently, if you are unfortunate enough to be amongst the one in three people over 65 who die with dementia you could face enormous bills for poor quality care. This is a gamble people shouldn't be forced to take.

Everyone must join the call for a system that is robust enough to tackle the rising dementia challenge and give people a better quality of life.  A national care service is a bold vision and it will take courage to see it through. It cannot afford to fail.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Further Information

• Alzheimer's Society briefing on Green Paper for funding adult social care in England (17 July 2009)