Most persons with stages of dementia would rather stay at home and be cared for there; eighty three percent in fact. However the level of good caretaking is low, which in turn forces 50,000 persons into care facilities resulting in a 70 million pound bill to The Queen every month.

The Alzheimer’s Society predicts the situation will continue to worsen dramatically according to Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society:

“Half a million people with dementia live in the community and many will need help with everyday tasks such as eating meals, washing or going to the toilet. This help not only maintains dignity but prevents serious health issues. While staying at home is not right for everyone we know many people want to remain in the familiar surroundings they are used to with family or loved ones. Only with the right support will this be possible. It is an absolute travesty that so many people with dementia are being forced to struggle without the care and support they need. The consequences of this represent an unacceptable human and financial cost.”

Dementia is a term used to describe various different brain disorders that have in common a loss of brain function that is usually progressive and eventually severe. There are many types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

However, not only are patients put at risk. Caretakers also are dragged into depression, stress and other serious physical and mental ailments. Fifty two percent report such conditions because they don’t have the support they need when providing for their patients.

The National Health Service is reportedly in danger of bankruptcy and has cut spending dramatically across the board. Long term planning needs to take place and investments need to be made for better home care, which will save the government money that can be allocated to population saving initiatives.

Kevin Whately, Alzheimer’s Society ambassador contributed to the survey of almost 1,500 persons with dementia and 1,000 home caretakers said:

“I know from caring for my mum just how much care and support people with dementia can need to help them live a quality life in their own home. We were fortunate that we had access to some excellent carers and the difference they made to my mum’s life was immeasurable. It pains me to think that there are so many people out there struggling alone. This is an unacceptable situation that we can’t let continue.”

Essex was reported as having the highest number of people with dementia, currently 15,267 and estimated to be 21,962 by 2021 and it was stated that Suffolk currently has 9,110 people living with dementia, predicted to be 13,448 by 2021.

Source: The Alzheimers Society

Written By Sy Kraft, B.A.