Charity calls on political parties to address social care failings

The charity's survey of nearly 1,500 carers and people with dementia found major concerns about the standards of care being provided. Only 23 per cent of respondents said all their care needs were met while less than a quarter (24 per cent) felt staff providing care had the skills and understanding necessary. Only 12 per cent of carers always had access to short breaks. 

Further Alzheimer's Society research revealed MPs believe dementia needs more attention from political parties.  Eighty one per cent of 150 MPs surveyed said they believe a long term settlement for the funding of social care needs to be a high priority for their party. Sixty seven per cent also agreed the system for charging for essential care such as washing and dressing places an unfair burden on people with dementia.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,

'It is unacceptable for a care service to be failing such a vulnerable group to such a staggering degree. There are currently 700,000 people in the UK living with dementia. This number will increase to more than a million within 20 years. The vast majority of these people will need some level of social care so it is vital we have a robust system in place that meets their needs.

'It has been reassuring to hear the political parties talking about adult social care this year but now with an election imminent we need more detail. MPs have told us this is an important issue but we now need to hear guarantees on how each of the parties would provide a fair, transparent and high quality social care system. This must explain how they will develop a social care system that is fit for tomorrow but also how it addresses failings today.'

To coincide with these research findings, Alzheimer's Society has published three demands for what it wants to see from political parties in their election manifestos. These are:

• Details of how they will develop a quality care service. This must include guarantees that every person with dementia: can expect trained professionals who understand how to deliver quality care and support to people with dementia; can expect the NHS and social care service to work closely to support people to live their lives as independently as possible and with their carers can receive the care and support they need to live well at any stage of their journey.

• A guarantee that Attendance Allowance will not be scrapped - This is an invaluable benefit that gives people with the dementia and their carers the choice, flexibility and control to shape their own care. Alzheimer's Society research found overwhelming opposition to the idea of abolishing Attendance Allowance and moving the money into care services.

• Dementia research made a higher priority. Dementia research is drastically underfunded. The government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. Developing new treatments has the potential to significantly reduce the number of people with dementia. Existing research expenditure needs to be reallocated to ensure dementia research receives the same investment as other major conditions.

Members of the public can play their part by writing to their prospective parliamentary candidates and asking them to raise the issue with their parties. They can also join Alzheimer's Society's campaigners' network. To find out more visit alzheimers.org.uk/campaignersnetwork

Notes to editors:

• Case studies and spokespeople are available on request
• Alzheimer's Society surveyed 1,368 people about their attitudes towards the current social care system. 91% of respondents were carers or former carers, two per cent were people with dementia and seven per cent did not state whether they were a person with dementia or a carer.
• The MP statistics relate to a ComRes survey of 150 MPs commissioned by Alzheimer's Society. MPs were asked to what extent they agreed with the statement 'A long term settlement for the funding of social care needs to be a high priority for my political party'. Thirty two per cent strongly agreed, 49 per cent agreed, nine per cent neither agreed or disagreed, one per cent disagreed and eight per cent did not state. They were also asked 'The system of charging for essential care (eg help with washing and eating) places an unfair burden on people with dementia.' Fifteen per cent agreed strongly, 52 per cent agreed, 17 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed, six per cent disagreed and 10 per cent didn't state.
• The green paper Shaping the Future of Care Together was published in July.
• A white paper is expected to follow in 2010.
• About 5.2 million people in England and Wales are carers. Nearly half of these provide more than 20 hours care a week and more than 1.5 million provide more than 50 hours care per week. There are 595 000 unpaid carers in the UK.
• Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because they are physically or mentally disabled.
• 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