Julian joins Alzheimer’s Society campaign to ‘Fix Dementia Care’
May 30, 2018
Last Wednesday, Julian pledged his support to the Fix Dementia Care campaign run by the Alzheimer’s Society, attending a launch event in Parliament for their new report Dementia – the true cost.
This Dementia Action Week (21-27 May) the Alzheimer’s Society asked the general public to take small actions that can have a big impact on the lives of people with this condition.
In the absence of drugs that can cure or slow down dementia, it’s social care rather than the health service that people with dementia rely on every day. Across the country, three fifths of people using homecare and 70% of people in care homes live with dementia. Dementia is among the most complex conditions that the social care system has to support, yet many people with the condition still encounter problems in accessing good quality care at a reasonable price.
Sally Copley, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society said: “This Dementia Action Week, as we’re asking everyone across the UK to take actions big or small to help people with dementia, it’s brilliant to see positive action from people and we’re looking forward to working with Julian Sturdy MP to respond to the public demand for change. Our Fix Dementia Care campaign has exposed the poor quality care that people with dementia are currently receiving, and this must end now.”
After attending the event, Julian said:
“I know this issue is of significant concern to many of my constituents, several of whom have contacted me recently. Currently over 4,400 people are living with dementia in the area covered by Vale of York NHS, and we need to be prepared for this figure to increase over time. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, and 23% of the population of my York Outer constituency is already over 65.
We really need to get on the front foot in addressing the local impact of this condition, and I am determined to all I can to help facilitate this. I will be getting in contact with our regional Alzheimer’s Society branch to see how I can best work with them to push for better solutions for York.
This condition has a very wide impact, extending from the individual to family and friends who often have to act as carers for their loved ones. It would therefore be very useful for me to hear from any affected local residents who have suggestions about how we could improve support and understanding of dementia in York, and I would encourage people to contact me at any time”.
