Alzheimer's Society response to the delay on social care costs cap

Disappointing care cap decision

Emily Hindle, Policy Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are very disappointed at the UK Government’s decision not to proceed with the cap on social care costs in England."
 

Getting social care right is vital for people living with dementia – they make up around 60 per cent of people having care at home and 70 per cent of people in old age residential care in England.  

 

“While we appreciate the financial challenge the new government faces, this decision pushes the burden onto individuals who pay around £100,000 for care on average when they are already dealing with dementia’s devastation on their lives."

Need for new national care service

Emily adds: “The UK Government has promised a new national care service in England. Work on this must start urgently – and it must include long-term funding reform to reduce the financial burden on individuals.  

“We also need to ensure a sustainable care workforce with the right skills to care for people living with dementia – and to achieve this the UK Government must implement the new sector Workforce Strategy in England, including its recommendation for dementia training for all care staff.  

“These measures will be the first step towards ensuring people living with dementia can access the high quality, affordable care they deserve.”