ONS figures show care home deaths are still at twice the expected number – Alzheimer’s Society comments

New updated figures today from the ONS have given insight into the number of care home deaths due to Covid-19 in England and Wales.

•  There were 4,461 deaths in care homes in England and Wales (including from Covid-19), representing an increase on the previous week. This is 2,468 more than we would anticipate for this time of year, taking an average for this week over the last five years.

•  Deaths from Covid-19 in care homes fell slightly, meaning the proportion of excess deaths in care homes has risen since the previous week.

•  Please note, the bank holiday on May 8th may have impacted death registrations during this period.

Gavin Terry, Head of Policy for Alzheimer’s Society, said:

'People with dementia have been the worst hit by coronavirus - accounting for a quarter of deaths so far.

'It’s incredibly concerning to see today’s figures that care home deaths are still running at twice the expected number.'

'We know there has been a sharp rise in dementia deaths as well as those from Covid-19, and fearful phone calls are coming in thick and fast from families of people with dementia through Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line. 

'People with dementia are struggling to cope and left reliant on a threadbare social care system during this crisis. The Government must urgently develop a clear plan, with dementia at its heart, to keep people safe.

'In the meantime, we are here for every person with dementia and every family with a loved one with the condition, but we’re facing huge financial losses, and urgently need public support to help us reach as many people as possible.'