Free personal care for older people in their own home

Responding to proposals to give people with the highest needs free personal care, Alzheimer's Society called for more detail and warned that both money and improved quality of home care was needed to make proposals a success.

'Free personal care at home for those with the highest needs is a welcome development but the challenge to implement this proposal will not be easy. Money is needed to make sure people with dementia aren't being pushed into full time care earlier than needed. Quality also needs to be driven up for people to see real benefit.

 'Today's measures will not fix the crumbling system of funding for social care. Problems still loom as the number of people with dementia will double in the next generation and costs triple. We need a robust funding system that provides good care at a fair price for people at every stage of their condition. Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge of our generation. It must be made a political priority for every party.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Notes to editors

• Anyone with savings over £23,500 receives no state assistance and must pay the full costs of care.
• Personal care is help with everyday living tasks such as getting up, dressing, washing and using the toilet. Under new proposals those needing help with at least four such tasks will be eligible to receive this support from next October.
• Two thirds of all people with dementia live in their own homes in the community, where they receive the majority of their care and support from an unpaid family member or friend.
• 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
  

Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk