Alzheimer’s Society comment on the use of the Human Rights Act in private care homes

There should never be any compromise when it comes to treating people with fairness, dignity, equality and respect and there needs to be an urgent rethink on extending the Human Rights Act to protect all residents.

We hear every day about people with dementia being neglected in care homes, being refused a daily bath or forced to wear incontinence pads for 15 hours. If a person with dementia is forced to move from one care home to another it can pose serious risks to their health and wellbeing.

This two-tier approach to legally binding human rights, which depends on how and who runs care homes, cannot continue.

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Notes to editors

• The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

For more information contact:
Jessica Mangold, press officer (0207 423 3594)