Alzheimer's Society welcomes local authority funding to help people leave hospital earlier

This transfer of funds will help people to leave hospital more quickly and receive support at home. 

 Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Today's announcement is welcome news for hundreds of thousands of people with dementia and carers. Many people with dementia require hospitalisation after reaching breaking point because they are forced to struggle with so little support. By enabling people with dementia to live well at home you can avoid costly crisis care. Even ensuring people with dementia leave hospital just a week earlier can save £80 million a year.'

Andrew Chidgey

Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society's hospital care report, 'Counting the Cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards', was published on 17 November 2009. It found that at least £80 million a year could be saved if people with dementia were enabled to leave hospital one week earlier. 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