MPs and peers launch inquiry into cost of dementia care

The financial cost of the condition in the UK is estimated to be £20 billion a year and this cost is likely to grow to over £27 billion by 2018. There is evidence that improving dementia services, for example by providing support early can create cost savings and deliver better care for people with dementia.

Baroness Sally Greengross, Chair of the APPG on Dementia, says,

'As the number of people with dementia rises the financial burden will only increase. In this difficult economic climate, it's imperative that money is spent wisely. We know that it's possible to create cost savings and deliver better quality of care for people with dementia. We want people to share ideas and practical examples so that the NHS, local authorities and others can deliver the best care at the right price.'

Alzheimer's Society's Counting the Cost report, published in November 2009, found that at least £80 million a year could be saved if people with dementia were enabled to leave hospital one week earlier. Research also shows that if the government achieves its target to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs by two thirds this would save £55 million every year.

Examples of ways cost efficient dementia care is already being provided include:

• A Mental health liaison service for hospitals in Leeds reduced admissions and facilitated early discharge for older people. The average length of stay for people with dementia fell by 54%, saving 1,056 bed-days per year.
• A specialist care home liaison team in Doncaster was established in 2006 to provide mental health support to local care homes. After the first year, admissions from care homes to hospital had been reduced by 75 per cent.
• A Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team in West Sussex expanded its remit to include older people in addition to those of working age. Admissions to hospital for older people were reduced by 31 per cent without any adverse impact on patient or carer satisfaction.

(King's Fund, October 2010)

The inquiry is inviting key groups including commissioners of health and social care, people with dementia and leading organisations to submit evidence. The best practice examples will then be shared and hopefully used across the UK.

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Interviews with spokespeople, case studies and best practice examples are available on request

Notes to editors:

• For more information on the inquiry or to submit evidence, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/APPG
• The APPG on Dementia is an informal parliamentary group made up of MPs and Peers with an interest in dementia. Alzheimer's Society provides administrative support and expert advice to the Group
• Alzheimer's Society's hospital care report, 'Counting the Cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards', was published on 17 November 2009. To view the report, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/countingthecost
  
• 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