Alzheimer's Society comment on Laing & Buisson Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey 2009

The survey also highlights that third party top-ups may be more frequent than previously estimated.

 Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Laing & Buisson's Care of Elderly People survey suggests the demand for care home places is set to grow. The majority of people living in care homes have some form of dementia making it the key focus for the sector. It is essential that staff get the training they need to provide good dementia care.

Dementia care is hugely inconsistent and standards need to be drastically improved - as highlighted by the National Dementia Strategy for England. Care providers, regulators and commissioners need to work together to ensure good dementia care becomes the rule rather than the exception.

We are also concerned about the number of people paying top ups to fund dementia care. Local authorities and care homes must negotiate a price that reflects the true cost of caring for people with dementia.'

Neil Hunt                     
Chief Executive                   
Alzheimer's Society         

Reference

Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey 2009. Sponsored by partnership. Published by Laing & Buisson www.laingbuisson.co.uk
020 7833 9123. Price: £715.