Alzheimer’s Society comment on Andrew Lansley’s speech about charging for care
Published 22 October 2009
People over 65 could benefit from a ‘home protection scheme’ preventing them from being forced to sell their house to pay for residential care in old age according to the Shadow Health Secretary.
'We welcome the Conservatives continuing the political debate on how to develop a fairer system of paying for care. Andrew Lansley's commitment to allow people aged over 65 to join the home protection scheme and to protect the cash benefit Attendance Allowance will help many people with dementia who are the hardest hit by the current system of charging for care. We look forward to hearing details of the Conservative party's plans to improve quality of care in people's own homes.
'People are being forced to spend much of their life savings on what is often poor quality care. We need a new care system that is transparent, fair and puts an end to the dementia tax.'
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Notes to editors
- 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
