MPs and peers must unite to prevent social care system ‘breaking at the seams’

In her first act as Chairman, the crossbench peer spoke of the need for the government to push on with plans for a commission on social care. She proposed a meeting of APPGs concerned with older people, disability and carers issues to discuss the problem and create an influential voice on the matter.

Speaking after the APPG on Dementia's AGM on Wednesday (7 July), she said:

'The social care system we have in this country is breaking at the seams. Millions of people, including many thousands with dementia, are currently being forced to pay huge fees for often substandard care.'

'The Government has acknowledged this but we now need to see promises turned into action. By bringing together the APPGs, we can create a powerful voice to represent the views of millions of often unheard people and keep the pressure up. There is no quick fix solution but we must make sure the wheels keep turning until we reach our destination - quality care at a fair price.'

Ruth Sutherland, Acting Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, which acts as the secretariat for the APPG on Dementia, said:                                                                                                            

'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. People with dementia are some of the hardest hit by the current social care system. Many are forced to pay a 'dementia tax' of tens of thousands of pounds for essential care. These people cannot afford for the government to let this issue slip. They have a right to have the best quality of life possible and not have to bankrupt themselves trying to achieve it.'

'APPGs are an invaluable source of pressure on the government demonstrating how working together can create the best results. We will do everything we can to support Baroness Greengross and her fellow members in their fight for change.'

Baroness Greengross replaces Jeremy Wright MP as Chairman of the APPG. She holds top positions in a number of older people's organisations and committees including the APPG on Intergenerational Futures, the International Longevity Centre - UK think tank and Eurolink Age. MPs David Blunkett, Mike Freer, Tracey Crouch, Tim Farron and Mike Hancock were also elected as Vice Chairmen.

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• 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