Age UK Care in Crisis report: Alzheimer's Society comment
Published 30 January 2012
Age UK has launched its Care in Crisis report which shows that spending on social care for older people in England has fallen by half a billion pounds since 2010.
Age UK's projected figures show that the government ought to be spending £7.8 billion this year in order to maintain the same levels of service as 2010. But the charity says councils have only budgeted £7.3 billion.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'It is completely unacceptable that spending is falling in this vital area. There was not enough funding to ensure everyone had good care in the first place. This is another slap in the face for people with dementia, who are already some of the hardest hit financially. When the state does not pay, vulnerable people's health is put at risk if they cannot foot the bill.'
'As a nation we must realise unless people receive quality care at the right price, they can be forced inappropriately into hospital which could bankrupt the NHS. It is imperative we fix the system so it is a solution for the people using it, rather than a problem.'
Jeremy Hughes
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 ten 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
- Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
