Alzheimer’s Society backs ‘Caring with Confidence’

Seven learning sessions aimed at improving support for carers will be launched in locations across the country from today (Tuesday 12 May 2009).  In addition, Alzheimer's Society has won a tender to provide special sessions for carers of people with dementia. These sessions will be available later in the year in Sussex, Somerset, Devon and Hampshire.

Research by Caring with Confidence highlighted that:

• More than 60% of people believe their caring role affected their health (16% a lot 46% a little)
  

• One in five people caring 50 plus hours a week are also juggling a full-time job, and 23% of those people asked had been caring for at least 10 years

• Support or provision should explain how to deal with the benefits and healthcare system (46% and 41% said these topics would be very or extremely useful) as well as providing practical information and advice about the condition they are dealing with (38% very or extremely useful)
  

Neil Hunt, chief executive, Alzheimer's Society says,

'This research confirms the difficult situation that carers face and shows us that a little help can go a long way. Hundreds of carers call the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline every year telling us they need more support and advice to help them cope.

Caring with Confidence is an important step towards delivering support when people need it most. We are very excited to be part of the programme. Alzheimer's Society will shortly provide a Caring with Confidence session specifically for carers of people with dementia in four locations across England. We hope this will be the beginning of opportunities to make the programme available for carers everywhere.'

Stephen Jacobs, OBE, Caring with Confidence Project Board Chair, adds,

'The contribution made by carers is huge, but it is a role that is often taken on at short notice and without preparation, leaving carers to struggle with the vital responsibilities that they have assumed - this is where Caring with Confidence can help.'

Ends

Interviews and case studies available on request.  
Please call Alzheimer's Society Press Office on 020 7423 3595.

Notes to editors

• The research referred to in the press release was conducted by an independent market research company for Caring with Confidence during February, March and April 2008. The study saw 1084 carers contacted and six detailed group discussions were held.
  

• 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.
  

• 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
  

• The 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 futher information please contact the press office on 020 7423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk