Alzheimer’s Society response to Paul Burstow comment on social care funding

In the report 'Delivering Dilnot: paying for elderly care', the Liberal Democrat MP and the Centre Forum think tank claim that this would provide most of the £1.7billion needed to implement reforms to elderly care recommended by the Dilnot Commission. The report also calls for the amount people should have to pay for care to be capped at £60,000.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'We can't ignore that millions of people, including many people with dementia, are being denied access to essential care because of the colossal hole in the adult social care funding pot. Discussing how we cut the cake in terms of where money is spent, including benefits for older people, is therefore vital.

'However, these discussions should not be held in isolation. The only way to achieve a long term sustainable solution is for all the political parties to agree on a complete and achievable package of funding. People's lives depend on it.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop 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 has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia 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 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk