Social care white paper represents massive failure

This is widely reported to include proposals on deferring care payments until after death and a national framework to determine who can access care, but no commitment for funding reform. People with dementia are some of the hardest hit by the current means tested system, which often sees people with dementia pay tens of thousands of pounds for essential care.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Millions of vulnerable people had been promised radical reform but today they are being massively let down. Every day without a funding decision is another day where people, including those with dementia, face huge costs for often substandard care. If reports are true, this White Paper is not worth the paper it's written on.'

'This is an avoidable crisis which is too important to be lost in a political storm. We need urgent discussions with Government about how to fund a fairer, more sustainable care system.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society spokespeople and case studies are available. Please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 to arrange interviews.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia 
• Social care includes vital help with washing, eating and using the toilet and unlike NHS care it is means tested. At the moment, these services are too often failing to meet people's needs. 
• People with dementia are some of the hardest hit by the current system, often facing a dementia tax of tens of thousands of pounds for essential care. 
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 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