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The Alzheimer’s Society is campaigning to end charging for care
It is seven years since the Royal Commission on Long Term Care said that people with dementia should not be charged for essential care. But thousands of people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland continue to pay for essential care such as help with eating, washing, dressing and using the toilet.
These care needs are a direct result of a physical disease of the brain and should not be means tested. Charging people with dementia for this care is one of the worst examples of discrimination that exists within the NHS.
In its response to the Royal Commission on Long Term Care the government agreed to fund ‘nursing care’ which is provided in nursing homes.
A carer writes:
‘Although some people with dementia have benefited from this change, much of the care which people with dementia require is provided by care assistants and remains means tested.’
The Alzheimer's Society wants the government to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care that all personal care should be free. Scotland has already taken this step and people in the rest of the UK must be given this support as well.
Alzheimer’s Society Parliamentary lobby
Over 500 people attended the Alzheimer’s Society lobby on 16 March 2005 to highlight the fact that people with dementia are being charged for their healthcare. The campaign has the support of Lord Sutherland, chair of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care, who addressed those taking part in the lobby.
Attachments:
If you would like a fuller briefing or more information please contact Vicki Combe, the campaigns officer on 0207 306 1181 or email vcombe@alzheimers.org.uk.
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