Alzheimer’s Society comment on care homes, the Human Rights Act and Department of Health announcement on elder abuse research

This hat-trick of announcements will play an important part in tackling the abuse and neglect of people with this devastating condition and help ensure failing homes are forced to improve standards.

Human rights are not privileges, but rights, which are now guaranteed for many more care home residents with dementia due to amendments to the Health and Social Care bill. The welcomed closure of this legal loophole will provide an important safety net for both them and their families.

Too many people with dementia are still being subjected to abuse or neglect in residential care. This important new research into the dignity and safety of older people in institutional settings will help us understand the scale of the problem and the reality of what happens behind the horror stories.

People with dementia must be able to report concerns about their treatment regardless of how they pay for residential care. It will be interesting to see how the role of an independent adjudicator to support residents funding their own care will be developed by the government later this year.

Neil Hunt,
Chief executive
Alzheimer's Society 

Notes to editor:

• 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.

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