Fears Bath dementia residents face being 'stranded in own homes' due to rising costs
Rising costs mean one in seven is cutting vital care and support
The Alzheimer’s Society warns that people living with dementia in Wiltshire are facing a ‘perfect storm’ of rising care and living costs.
This comes after the charity’s national survey revealed that those living with the condition face ‘devastating’ isolation if they cut crucial support.
The last record showed Wiltshire has 7,900 people over the age of 65 living with dementia. This is set to rise to 9,540 by 2025.
And Alzheimer’s Society reported that one in ten is cutting down or stopping their social care, leaving them at real risk of crisis this winter.
Marion Child, their Head of Services in the South West, says that cutting vital support can worsen someone’s dementia very quickly:
“Social care helps people with dementia remember to do things and keep their brains active longer.
“So, if you start taking those services away because you cannot afford them, your situation will deteriorate very quickly, especially if you cannot physically look after yourself, like remembering to take your medication.”
The charity also says that one in four who are struggling with the rising cost of living are retreating into one room to save on energy bills.
Marion said:
“Like with anyone who is more elderly or frail, cold and isolation will impact people with dementia immensely. It will impact their ability to fight off colds, to stay active, and to do things that might reduce the progression of their condition.”
The findings also reveal many people with dementia will be ‘stranded in their own homes’ over Christmas, meaning they will need to use more heating and lighting to stay safe and well.
More than half (53%) of those surveyed who live in their own home said they either don’t leave home at all or go out for less than an hour a day, and 45% of people living with dementia who live alone said they never go out.
Marion said:
“For somebody with dementia to be with family is super important for their ability to communicate and practice their motor skills.
“So, not being able to afford getting out of their house nor having their families to get them, may have huge consequences. People with dementia are more likely to go downhill quicker and engage less in things that help them live well. This can result in them having to go into hospital or into care.
“So, it's so important that, if you know someone who's living with dementia, to just reach out and make sure that they are eating, drinking, dressing appropriately, and looking after themselves in this cold time.”
If you are affected by dementia and need help, call Alzheimer’s Society’s support line on 0333 150 3456 or visit their wesbite.