Alzheimer’s Society welcomes review into end of life care funding

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley MP today announced a new review into the funding of end of life care in a speech to the International Carers Conference in Leeds.

The review, which will report back by summer 2011, will consider how the Government can ensure that funds intended to care for people approaching the end of their lives is spent in the right way. This should better enable people to make choices about the end of life care they receive.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Alzheimer's Society welcomes this review, which we hope will ensure that funds allocated to end of life care will be spent in the right way. It is vital that the needs of people with dementia are at the heart of the review, and essential that funds are fairly allocated to allow them to receive high quality care at the end of their lives.

'It is very positive that the review is focused on enabling people to make choices about the end of life care they receive. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia, yet too often we hear from families that people with dementia have not had the quality of care they deserve at the end of their lives.

'For people with dementia, the opportunity to discuss end of life care should be provided at an early stage of their illness, so they can contribute to decisions around their future care and treatment.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

•  Andrew Lansley's full speech can be viewed at: dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Speeches/DH_117331
• 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