Coalition government promises strong commitment to social care

The government has promised to set up a commission on long-term care that will report within a year; greater rollouts of personal budgets and better support for carers. The programme also included a commitment to prioritise dementia research.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Today's promise to establish a commission on long term care offers hope to millions of people currently being penalised by a crumbling care system. People with dementia have already told us they want good care at a fair price. The commission must deliver radical reform.  Prioritising dementia research will also help put an end to the drastic underfunding we see today.'

'This document is good news for millions of people. We now need strong commitment and consensus to make this vision a reality.'

ENDS

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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