Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.
Uniting against dementia this General Election
On 8th June 2017, we go to the polls once again. Regardless of outcome, one thing is certain; dementia must be a political priority.
We are calling on the next government to fix care, prioritise research, and drive a response to dementia across society.
Quality of life for many people living with dementia is still poor, and many feel isolated in their own communities. Still only two thirds of the people living with dementia have a formal diagnosis; the quality of care in hospitals, care homes and in their home is not tailored to meet their needs; and many are paying all they have for care with no guarantees about quality in return.
Fixing Care:
So people with dementia get the right support and are treated equally by the health and social care system
- A diagnosis of dementia is a confusing and distressing time. It is essential that people are supported from day one by a trained person. We must also end the inequity of people with dementia having to pay catastrophic costs for their care, when the NHS covers the cost of treating other medical diseases.
Prioritising dementia research:
So people understand the disease and work towards a cure as well as improvements in care
- We are calling for an equal focus on research into both care and cure, inclusion of dementia research in integrated health and social care system plans, and a maintained global leadership role in dementia research after the UK leaves the European Union.
The Society response:
So people with dementia may participate in their communities on their own terms
- People affected by dementia have an equal right to participate in their community, without fear of stigma or prejudice. Dementia touches every part of someone’s life and our response needs to reflect that. For any community to be truly dementia-friendly, it must have people affected by dementia at the centre, influencing and shaping change. This included improving environments, policies and services, to ensure they are accessible and inclusive of people affected by dementia.
For more information, you can read Alzheimer’s Society’s manifesto asks here.
