New national dementia strategy guidance for commissioners

A new Alzheimer’s Society guide providing vital advice on how to commission services for people with dementia and their carers in line with the National Dementia Strategy has been launched.

The free guide is aimed at commissioners of health and social care services and is available now from alzheimers.org.uk/commissioning

In February Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson announced a £150 million investment in the National Dementia Strategy.  Dementia: What every commissioner needs to know explains first steps, how Alzheimer’s Society can help and how delivering on dementia fits into the broader commissioning agenda. It gives a break down of the number of people with dementia in each PCT, estimated financial cost and projections for the future.

Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, says, ‘One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. The National Dementia Strategy is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that could overwhelm the NHS and social care.

‘Dementia is the health and social care challenge of the decade. Alzheimer’s Society provides service provision and advice to commissioners. By working together we can meet the challenge that the National Dementia Strategy presents and deliver a world where living well with dementia is possible.’

Find out more at alzheimers.org.uk/commissioning