Alzheimer’s Society comment on: Laing & Buisson Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey 2009

The survey also highlights that third party top-ups may be more frequent than previously estimated.

'Laing & Buisson's Care of Elderly People survey suggests the demand for care home places is set to grow. The majority of people living in care homes have some form of dementia making it the key focus for the sector. It is essential that staff get the training they need to provide good dementia care.

Dementia care is hugely inconsistent and standards need to be drastically improved - as highlighted by the National Dementia Strategy for England. Care providers, regulators and commissioners need to work together to ensure good dementia care becomes the rule rather than the exception.

We are also concerned about the number of people paying top ups to fund dementia care. Local authorities and care homes must negotiate a price that reflects the true cost of caring for people with dementia.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society                  

Ends

Reference
Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey 2009. Sponsored by partnership. Published by Laing & Buisson www.laingbuisson.co.uk 020 7833 9123. Price: £715.

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 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 the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research 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