For too long, people affected by dementia have been left to navigate health and social care services that are difficult to access, poorly joined up and often fail to meet their needs.
Successive governments have promised to reform social care for decades. But, we’re still waiting. Families affected by dementia are still waiting. It’s time to turn those promises into action and create a health and social care system that everyone affected by dementia can rely on.
Right now, you have a real opportunity to help transform dementia care in England. Through the Government’s Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Frailty and Dementia and the Casey Commission review into adult social care, we can shape a better future for people with dementia. But we need your help to do it.
MPs across the political spectrum need to hear why families affected by dementia can’t wait any longer for change.
Ask your MP to meet Dementia UK at their party conference this autumn and help turn the Promise to Care into action.
Why politicians must promise to care
As dementia progresses, people often need more support. But too many families tell us they’re left to cope alone until they reach crisis point.
Our research reveals a stark gap between the support people would expect after a dementia diagnosis, compared to the level of support people affected by dementia actually receive.
- 50%* of people without experience of dementia said they would expect professional care and support to be in place from diagnosis.
- Yet only 9%** of carers with first-hand experience were usually offered support at an early stage.
Every family should receive personalised care and support long before crisis hits.
What needs to change
We’re setting out three key tests that the UK Government must meet if it is to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
For reform to be truly transformative, it must ensure that everyone affected by dementia has access to:
- Coordinated care from named professionals and timely access to dementia specialists.
- Proactive, personalised support from diagnosis through to end of life.
- Dedicated support for families and unpaid carers.
With political will, dementia care can be transformed. The promises have been made. Now it’s time to turn them into action.
Help keep the Promise to Care
Political party conferences are an important chance to speak directly to MPs.
By asking your MP to meet with Dementia UK, you’ll help them hear first-hand why dementia care must improve and what families need from future reforms.
We’ve made it easy. Contact your MP using our simple form. It only takes two minutes, and you have the option to personalise your message:
We’re making change happen
We’re already working with campaigners and people affected by dementia to make sure their voices are heard by politicians, officials and the Casey Commission.
Recently, Dementia UK campaigners attended the launch of the Casey Commission’s Big Conversation, where they met Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Baroness Louise Casey and the Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper to share their experiences of dementia care, and the challenges of accessing the right support.
