Continuing confusion not continuing care

Condemning proposals, Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'This framework will lead to continuing confusion not continuing care. It falls far short of government promises, lacks direction, insight and logistical planning for proper change.

Rather than wasting millions on a broken system, we need realistic national debate into who pays for care. This is the only way we can end the confusion and mayhem that denies proper care and leaves thousands desolate each year.'

In a submission to the Department of Health, the Society condemns serious flaws in the framework such as its:

• Failure to explain who will get fully funded care, resulting in a continued postcode lottery
• Failure to recognise the complexity of mental health needs, discriminating against people with mental health conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease
• Failure to address training needs of assessors so all assessments can be standardised and based on expert clinical judgement
• Failure to address the wide variation in the number of continuing healthcare places for people with dementia between areas of the country.

For more information, contact Hannah Clack, Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editor

• A more detailed overview of the Alzheimer's Society response is available. Interviews are also available on request.
• The Alzheimer's Society is calling for a national debate on who pays for care together with the Royal College of Nursing, Help the Aged and Age Concern.
• Get more advice and a guide to challenging an assessment of NHS continuing care.
• Continuing care or fully funded NHS care is care given over an extended period of time, as a result of disability, accident, or illness. It may address physical and mental needs and therefore require services from both the NHS and/or social care which are funded separately.
• The consultation on the New National Services Framework ends on the 22 September 2006.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.