SCIE reveal the general public is mystified by care system

The majority of Britons admit they do not know what options are available to them and two thirds have no idea how much care provision costs.

Key findings include:

• Majority of adults unaware of what care is available (59%) and have no idea how much it costs (66%)
• More than two thirds of people say that they are not likely to consider care decisions until they become urgent, increasing the risk of not choosing the best provision
• A quarter of adults who already use care provision say they struggled to find appropriate care and now feel they ended up with the wrong type of support.

Alzheimer’s Society comment:

'It’s shocking to see that so many people feel uninformed and unprepared for when they might need to access care. It’s vital that people understand the system and know the options available to them and their loved ones. With one in three people over the age of 65 set to develop dementia, it’s crucial that people know how to access care that’s right for them.'

George McNamara
Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Alzheimer’s Society
 
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Notes to editors:
 

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• 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
  

Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk