Radio series asks tough questions about social care

Alzheimer's Society ambassador and actor Tony Robinson will be among those speaking about social care and dementia as part BBC Radio 4's month-long Care In The UK series.

The series gets underway on You & Yours. It comes as the Future Of Care Funding consultation is published, showing the current social care system leaves thousands of users at the mercy of a 'postcode lottery' of care.

Neil Hunt, Alzheimer's Society chief executive says,

'More and more people are being forced to fund care in their own homes as the squeeze on local authorities forces them to tighten funding criteria and limit care to only those with the most critical needs. It is time to deliver a system of care provision that works rather than one that shuts people out in the cold.

'It is fantastic to hear the voices and views of people with dementia and their carers being included in this radio debate on social care. This is a crucial part of leading the fight against a condition which affects 700,000 people today rising to more than a million in less than 20 years.'

The experience of millions of carers also comes under the spotlight as part of the Care In The UK series. One woman describes why she felt compelled to bring her mother to live with her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, while Hollywood actress Laura Linney will discuss new film The Savages, which looks at the impact of dementia on a brother and sister.

The country's care homes will be examined by journalists from Woman's Hour. The availability of gadgets, technology and telecare to help people stay independent will also feature in a special programme later in the month.

For more information about BBC Radio 4's Care In The UK series please visit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/careintheuk/index.shtml

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia 
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia. 
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ 
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

For further information contact: Press Office,
Jessica Mangold, 020 7423 3594