Alzheimer's Society responds to second national lockdown

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

'Coronavirus has wreaked devastation on people with dementia, worst hit by the virus, and their families. Thousands have died, not just from the virus, and many more have been badly affected by the isolating effects of lockdown, in the community as well as care homes.

'While it is important to protect the vulnerable with necessary precautions, designated family carers are an integral part of fundamental care and must be allowed to visit care homes, with testing and equipment in place.

Otherwise, we face increasing numbers of people with dementia giving up on life, not understanding what is going on or why they’re not seeing the people they love, and experiencing the things they live for.

'The Government must never abandon families affected by dementia again and learn the lessons from the first lockdown. Coronavirus has laid bare the dire state of social care for all to see – the lasting legacy from this crisis must be a universal social care system, free at the point of use, that provides quality care for every person with dementia who needs it.'