Alzheimer’s Society comment on government’s Dignity in Care Campaign

The report's publication comes as the government launches plans for a Dignity Action Day and a £50,000 Bright Ideas Grant (BIG) for innovative projects that encourage dignity in care.   

In his report, Sir Michael talks about his experiences of caring for his mother who had dementia. He also calls for an end to outdated stereotypes of older people that can be a barrier to quality care. Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Barbara Pointon, who made a moving documentary about caring for her husband Malcolm, was singled out as an 'unsung hero' for her campaigning work.

The Dignity Action Day will take place on Thursday 25 February, 2010.

'It is vitally important we get the message across that dignity in care for older people, including those with dementia, is a right and not a privilege. For too many people this is not currently the case. A third of carers surveyed by Alzheimer's Society said people with dementia were not treated with dignity while in hospital. The government's Dignity in Care Campaign is an excellent way of changing this and with Sir Michael Parkinson flying the flag we can hopefully begin to see an end to impersonal care.

'Sir Michael's moving account will resonate with the millions of people in the UK who do, or have, cared for a person with dementia. We must all now work together to ensure the gold standard of care already demonstrated by many care providers is reached across the country.'  

Andrew Ketteringham
Director of External Affairs
Alzheimer's Society

Ends

Notes to editors:

•  Interviews with Barbara Pointon are available on request through the Alzheimer's Society press office.
• The statistic 'a third of carers said people with dementia were not treated with dignity' is taken from Alzheimer's Society's report Counting the Cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards.'
• 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