Alzheimer's Society Welcomes Draft Regulations On Direct Payments

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 12 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Alzheimer's Society has welcomed draft regulations for direct payments today as the Department of Health consultation closes.

The draft regulations extend direct payments to people who lack capacity and remove the blanket exclusion that currently applies to people who are subject to various provisions of mental health legislation.

Extending direct payments will help to give more people with dementia choice and control over their lives. This is vital as people have individual needs that may change over time. Changes to direct payments will allow people to benefit from care that is more flexible, suits their needs and is in their best interests.

Alzheimer's Society knows that providing choice and putting people in control of their lives gives people the quality of life they deserve. Yet many people with dementia still face barriers to accessing direct payments and solutions must be found. With the numbers of people living with the condition set to soar, personalisation can only work if it works for people with dementia.

Neil Hunt
Chief executive

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

Alzheimer's Society