Dementia care is in crisis, warns Alzheimer’s Society

The leading UK charity are calling for immediate reform to dementia diagnosis and support services, following the release of their latest report.

In aid of World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Society conducted their Lived Experience Survey, which collected responses from almost 3,500 people living with dementia, unpaid carers and loved ones.

The findings can be described as nothing short of bleak. The survey shows one in five people who are affected by dementia receive no healthcare, social care or financial support.

Of those who do have access to support, fewer than half were found to be satisfied with the quality of care and only 29% found dementia-related healthcare easy to obtain.

‘Almost a million people are living with dementia, yet far too many are left to cope alone without the help they need – be is after diagnosis, from trained care professionals, or simply someone to turn to,’ Professor Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said.

Going forward, the charity have claimed the stigma and fear associated with the disease could prevent people from seeking support. The survey found two in five people with dementia feel ashamed, while over a third of unpaid carers say they are not respected by social care professionals – rising to 60% among carers from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Actress and ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, Anne-Marie Duff, added: ‘It’s shocking how many people still feel isolated and helpless. We must make dementia a national priority – for those living with it and those who care for them.’

The charity is now calling on the government to act. Experts recommend authorities introduce a national target for dementia diagnosis rates and mandatory dementia training for all care staff.

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