Alzheimer’s Society comment on government’s vision for adult social care

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced the government's plans for adult social care services - 'A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable Communities and Active Citizens'. The vision will inform the White Paper on care and support due at the end of next year. The vision focuses on personalised services, provision of individual budgets to eligible people, and delivery of care and support in partnership between individuals, communities, the voluntary sector, the NHS, councils and wider support services.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Alzheimer's Society welcomes the publication of this vision for adult social care, including more choice and control through personal budgets. It is vital however that people with dementia are given information and support in order for personal budgets to work for them. It is also good to see that the vision recognises that reablement services can save money and also improve quality of life.

'We welcome the £2 billion allocated to social care, but we know more funding will be needed, as the number of people with dementia and the cost of the condition continue to grow. Residential care and admissions to hospital are incredibly costly for local authorities. We must now ensure that any reform not only works out how to end the chronically unfair funding system, but also guarantees quality of life for people with a range of long term conditions.'

 

Ruth Sutherland
Interim Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

• 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

BBC Radio 4 recently launched its Care in the UK season which looks at the cost of care and asks who should pay.  The series is running on the You & Yours programme until Friday 3 December. For more information visit the Care in the UK website www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/you-and-yours/care-in-the-uk-2010/