‘Unpaid dementia carers are consistently forgotten’
“Unpaid dementia carers are consistently forgotten”
The Nuffield Trust has published a report “What needs to improve for social care to better support people with dementia?”
The report highlights current challenges and includes recommendations for actions which need to be taken by councils, integrated care systems and national organisations, including the government and the NHS, to start making a difference.
The report acknowledges that:
Unpaid dementia carers are consistently forgotten and have poor access to support services. Source: What needs to improve for social care to better support people with dementia? p 30 Nuffield Trust
Our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Helen Pyper, contributed to the development of the report, which includes findings from our 2023 annual survey of dementia carers. Notably highlighting that 89% of carers supporting a friend or family member with dementia have reached crisis point at least once, with more than a quarter trying to manage crises often.
Dementia carers know what would make the most difference to them. Their priorities include having:
• a single point of contact
• access to support groups
• access to training and education
• clearer information and advice
• more regular respite
• more inclusion of their voices
• financial support
We are committed to championing the changes and improvements that dementia carers want to see. We are delighted to collaborate with other organisations such as the Nuffield Trust to amplify dementia carers’ voices.
Too little attention has been paid to how people with dementia, and their – unpaid – carers, should be supported to live well for as long as possible.
Good social care is vital to this support and this report makes the case for a renewed policy focus, at both national and local levels. It calls on the government to deliver on its promise to develop a long-term plan for health and social care, ‘ramp up’ dementia training for the adult social care workforce and shift care closer to home.
Too often tackling social care has been kicked into the long grass. This report shows that action can and must be taken now. Helen Pyper, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Dementia Carers Count
About Dementia Carers Count
Dementia Carers Count is a small but mighty charity, powered and inspired by dementia carers’ experiences and insights and driven by the urgent need for change. We are here to listen, to support and to help dementia carers. We provide free, personal and confidential practical advice and emotional support. Every day our team of specialist advisors supports carers across the UK. Our Carer Support Line can be reached for free on 0800 652 1102 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
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