New booklet to tackle dementia abuse

Developed by the Alzheimer's Society and Action on Elder Abuse, the booklet aims to help tackle abuse of people with dementia.

'Uncovering abuse in the dementia care environment' explores why people with dementia can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and identifies types of abuse that might not be so recognisable, such as neglect, financial and psychological abuse.

The booklet features essential advice on how to handle suspected abuse and where to access further support or advice is also included.

One method featured is Body Maps, whereby a person can make a note of physical signs of abuse on a map of the body and hand it over to Social Services in order to help them with an investigation.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

This booklet provides essential, practical advice for anyone working with people with dementia in the care environment. 

People with dementia are often not able to communicate that they are being abused. We want to ensure that carers can recognise the signs of abuse and take appropriate, immediate action to stop it.

The Alzheimer's Society is grateful to Comic Relief for funding this work and for their continued support.

Gary FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Action on Elder Abuse, comments,

Providing support for care workers often working in difficult circumstances is a vital part of tackling abuse and poor practise.

This booklet represents the combined experiences of Action on Elder Abuse and the Alzheimer's Society and we urge all of those who provide, purchase and commission care services to ensure its widest possible distribution.

Funded by Comic Relief, the booklet is part of a two-year project to reduce and prevent abuse of people with dementia. 

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Copies of the booklet cost £18 for 20, £38 for 50 or £68 for 100 and is available on the website, alzheimers.org.uk
• 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.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• As a charity, 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 alzheimers.org.uk 
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

For further information please contact the Press Office on 020 7423 3595.