Call for national fund and all-party approach to tackle ‘failing’ dementia care
A national dementia fund should be set up, MPs have heard, as the Government said it wants to make “England the best country in the world for dementia care”.
Independent MP Ivan Lewis (Bury South) said governments have “failed” to address the situation and that “older people, disabled people, and their families” have been let down.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Lewis (pictured) said: “I don’t always agree with the Daily Mail, but aren’t they right when they say we now need a national dementia fund, and an all-party approach to defining the nature and funding of the social care system in this country.
“Successive governments have failed in this respect, and older people, disabled people, and their families have been let down as a consequence. When are we going to see some action?”
Health Minister Stephen Hammond said: “In the green paper there will be long-term plans on mental health and, indeed, on dementia.”
Labour MP Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) said: “Dementia comes in many different forms.
“My mother had one form and she lasted a number of years. But it finally took hold.
“My sister, on the other hand, went within a short period of time because she wouldn’t eat at all.”
He went on to say his best friend had become violent while suffering with dementia.
He added: “Dementia is not an illness that is static. It is very different for different people.”
Mr Hammond replied: “I know from personal, very personal, experience that dementia affects different people in different ways.
“That is why I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to delivering the challenge on dementia 2020 in full to make England the best country in the world for dementia care.”
Copyright (c) PA Media Ltd. 2019, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Dave Thompson / PA Wire.
