Politicians not doing enough to improve care for older people

The poll also found that eight out of ten adults believe care reform is among the most important issues in the forthcoming election. The findings come ahead of a cross party care summit being attended by charity representatives including Alzheimer's Society's Acting Chief Executive, Ruth Sutherland.

'This poll reinforces what we have been saying for a long time, that hundreds of thousands of older people are not receiving the high quality care they deserve.

'People with dementia are among the hardest hit by the current care charging system and many are spending their life savings on what is often poor quality care. With an election imminent we now need to hear how each of the parties would provide a fair, transparent and high quality social care system that includes guarantees, such as appropriate training for staff and access to a range of support and services for people with dementia and their carers.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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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