Living with Dementia
In Thanet and East Kent
Introduction - Anyone who is involved with dementia, either as a carer, family member or person with dementia will be aware of the difficulties in getting help. The aim of this website is to provide easy access to all the resources available, either by linking to other websites or providing the contact details for the relevant people.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Independentage, a national charity which helps older people in need, have a need for more volunteers in the Thanet and East Sussex area. If you think you can help them, please call Tony Pollen on 01227 362530 or click here to e-mail him.
For further information on Independentage, click here.
Alzheimer's Society Day of Action - 20th June 2008
A day of action has been planned to coincide with the publication of a major new report from the Alzheimer’s Society on the impact that charging for care - such as help with washing and eating - has on people with dementia. This report, based on the experiences of thousands of people, will argue for a new funding system for social care that ensures access to higher quality care services and delivers a better deal for people with dementia and their carers.
The key points are -
1. The current system of charging for care discriminates against people with dementia because their needs are classed as ‘social care’ (means-tested) and not ‘health care’ (generally free of charge on the NHS);
2. Currently thousands of people with dementia and carers pay substantial amounts towards care that they need as a direct result of their condition. This essential care includes help with washing, eating and using the toilet.
3. Despite the amount that people pay, the quality of care that people receives is often very poor;
4. People with dementia are hit hardest by the charging system, in comparison to people with other conditions, because they need much more support from social care services;
5. Charging affects people with dementia from different kinds of backgrounds, including people on limited incomes;
6. People are willing to make a contribution towards the cost of care but do not want to be ransacked to prop up a failing system.
To support the day of action, you should contact your local M.P. and ask them to support a change to the current system of charging. Click on the relevant name to link to the contact page on their websites. M.P's in our local branch area are Roger Gale, Steven Ladyman, Julian Brazier, Gwyn Prosser and Hugh Robertson.
