Milburn misses message
Published 24 July 2002
Health Secretary Alan Milburn, has missed another opportunity to give people with dementia and their carers what they really want - free personal and nursing care.
The Alzheimer's Society welcomes the measures outlined today but they will do little to stem the feelings of injustice felt by thousands.
'We are contacted daily by people with dementia who ask us why they have to pay for their care. People with dementia have an illness and shouldn't have to pay for their treatment,'
said Julia Cream, head of public affairs.
'The Royal Commission was clear about the need for long term care funding, as were the 73,000 people who phoned in to make it the top priority for the government in the BBC's NHS day in February this year.'
Notes for editors
- The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
- Over 700,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
- Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
- For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
