Dementia sufferers in East of England struggle to get support

A charity warns that emergency admissions from dementia care failures have soared, and worse to come.

Author: Collette HowePublished 19th May 2021
Last updated 19th May 2021

People with dementia across the East of England are struggling to get the support they need.

That’s according to the Alzheimers Society, which says nearly 1 million people across the UK are waiting to access extra care.

To mark Dementia Awareness Week, they want the government to ‘cure the care system now’.

An Alzheimer’s Society investigation revealed, even before the pandemic, tens of thousands of people with dementia were being rushed to hospital each year, up 27%. This is because inadequate social care left them unprotected from infections, falls and dehydration.

This news comes after the Prime Minister’s promise nearly two years ago to deliver a clear plan for social care reform.

Katie Blackburn from the East of England branch explains how severe the situation is.

“Social care system has been highlighted since before the pandemic for its failings, how chronically underfunded it is.

People have been left without the quality of care they deserve.”

To learn more about Dementia Action Week (17-23 May 2021) click here.

And for information, advice and support call Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

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