ONS figures show care home deaths still around 16 per cent higher than normal

Updated figures from the Office for National Statistics today show the number of care home deaths due to Covid-19 in England and Wales:

• Data from the week ending 5 June 2020 show that there were 1,588 total Covid-19 deaths registered in that week, which shows a decrease of 234 from the previous week.
• However, 2,415 people died in care homes from any cause, which is 16% higher than expected based on looking at the five year average.

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

'While we’re seeing a decrease in care home deaths again today, they are still 16 per cent higher than we would expect. With 70% of care home residents living with some form of dementia, we continue to be concerned by this. 

From the start of the pandemic, people with dementia have been the worst hit by the virus, accounting for a quarter of all deaths.

'A combination of isolation, fewer visitors, staff shortages and interruption to health services is continuing to affect people with dementia, and despite drop in reported deaths, people with dementia’s lives are still at risk.

'Alzheimer’s Society is urging the Government’s new Social Care Taskforce to take action and address the specific needs of people with dementia in this crisis.

Many grieving families still need answers as to why so many people with dementia have died, and we must do everything we can to avoid a second peak in deaths.

We are here for anyone affected by dementia. Despite a £45m loss of income, our Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 has seen a huge increase in demand.

To help us continue to offer support and advice donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Coronavirus Recovery Appeal.