Alzheimer's Society comment on social care system reform promise

In his budget speech today (24 March 2010), Alistair Darling announced that the government will shortly be setting out its long-term plans for social care reform as well as the steps needed in the next parliament to move towards this goal.

 Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Today's budget shows a commitment from the government to reform our broken social care system. This is good news for the hundreds of thousands of people with dementia in this country who currently face a 'dementia tax' of tens of thousands of pounds for care that is too often substandard.

'The white paper must now put real meat on these bones of intention. This is too important an issue to be restricted to soundbites and weak promises. All political parties need to embrace this golden opportunity to come together and find a way to create a care service that guarantees high quality care at a fair price.'

Andrew Chidgey
Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Alzheimer's Society

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