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
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer that has no cure. As it progresses, people often need more support. But too many families tell us they’re left to cope alone until they reach crisis point.
We surveyed almost 1,200 people affected by dementia to understand their experiences. We found that:
- 63% had difficulty accessing and coordinating support when needs increased
- 42% said increasing support needs had led to a hospital admission
- Only 9% said professional support was provided early before problems became more serious
No family should have to fight to get the care and support they need.
What needs to change
The Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia will be the Government’s plan setting out how dementia care will change in England. This is our chance to make care more consistent and joined up so that families get the support they need.
Alongside the Casey Commission’s review of England’s adult social care system, this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
We’re calling on the Government to keep its Promise to Care, so that families can count on:
- Coordinated care, underpinned by dementia specialists
- Proactive support from diagnosis 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.
