Government Considers Private Policies For Long Term Care

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 09 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PST

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The government is considering private insurance as one option to help improve the system of paying for long term care for older people.

The proposal is being considered as part of the engagement period for the forthcoming Green Paper on social care.

People with dementia represent one of the most significant groups of users of long term care. It is estimated that 75 per cent of people in care homes have dementia.

Alzheimer's Society argues that the current system of means testing for social care is a tax on people with dementia whose care is deemed to be social care, rather than health care free on the NHS.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,

'The shocking truth is that thousands of vulnerable people with dementia are being forced to pay large amounts for vital care, which is often poor quality. There are 700,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this will soar to over a million people in less than 20 years.

It is not unreasonable to ask people to make a contribution towards the cost of their care, but we must gain a political consensus on a move towards a transparent, sustainable and fair system. Quality of care must also improve alongside funding. Until then short term emergency measures need to be put in place to prevent the collapse of this broken system.'

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.

Alzheimer's Society