Alzheimer's Society comment on Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

The safeguards cover people in hospital and care homes registered under the Care Standards Act 2000. They have been designed to deter deprivation of liberty and, where it is unavoidable, ensure cases are reviewed, monitored and can be appealed. The safeguards are now a statutory obligation (from April 2009 onwards).

'Two thirds of people with dementia live in care homes and up to one quarter of hospital beds are taken up by people with dementia. It is essential that people in these settings be supported to live their lives in a way that recognises their human rights.

Deprivation of liberty should only be used as a last resort when it is in the best interests of the person and all practical and reasonable steps have been taken to avoid it. Alzheimer's Society hopes that the deprivation of liberty safeguards, when taken with the rights that people with dementia have under the Mental Capacity Act, will lead to a significant shift in the way we treat people with dementia and all those who may lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with 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 campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  

For further information please contact the press office 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk