Alzheimer’s Society comment on Mark Foster backing the Big Care Debate

They have all added their voice to a short film that highlights four real life experiences of why care matters.

The Big Care Debate, which is looking at a series of potential options for the future of social care funding, draws to a close next week.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is great news to hear that Mark Forster, Phillippa Forrester and Cerri Burnell are backing the Big Care Debate. It is vitally important that other people now follow their lead and have their say to ensure a fair and transparent social care system is created.

There are currently too many people with dementia in England being forced to pay enormous bills for substandard care. Quality provision needs to be guaranteed and available at a fair price. Only a new care system that can meet the rising challenge of dementia will succeed.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Ends

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• People with dementia and carers face some of the largest bills for often poor quality care. The majority of their care is classed as 'social care' which is means tested. They also require complex care over a long period of time in comparison to other conditions. It is not unusual for people to have to pay large amounts for four to five years of living with the condition.
• By 2050 there will be twice as many people aged over 85 and overall costs will increase fourfold (Sue Collins (June 2007), How can funding of long-term care adapt for an ageing population? Joseph Rowntree Foundation)
• The King's Fund estimates that the cost of dementia in England to the NHS, local authorities and individuals will rise from £15 billion now to over £23 billion by 2018. The same report also estimates that by 2027 spend on dementia will make up 75% of mental health costs
• The last State of Social Care report estimated that 450,000 older people have some shortfall in their care mainly because of tightening eligibility criteria. (CSCI State of Social Care 2008 (published Jan 09)
• 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