The Actor, the MP and the Pocket-Sized Guide for People with Dementia |
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8th February 2008 Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon is joining forces with Alzheimer’s Society ambassador and actor Tony Robinson for the launch of an essential guide supporting people with dementia and their carers across the region. “Putting Care Right – your guide to choosing a care home” lists the essential issues and which questions to ask in the search for a care home. Politicians joined Tony Robinson, people with dementia, carers and volunteers at the Alzheimer’s Society Reception in Parliament as part of the Putting Care Right campaign for better quality care for people with dementia. Dr Iddon says, “This guide is essential way of supporting local people living with dementia and their carers. Two thirds of people in care homes have dementia yet only a small proportion of staff have any formal training. It is shocking to think that many people with dementia are not being looked after by properly trained staff. We need to ensure all care homes deliver the highest quality care to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” Alzheimer’s Society new guide “Putting Care Right” is available to anyone beginning their search for a good care home. The pocket-sized guide sets out the essential issues to consider, such as the involvement of friends and family and activities on offer. It includes space for notes on the different care homes people visit. Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Tony Robinson says, “Choosing the right care home is very important. From the way people talk to each other to the chance to enjoy everyday activities like sharing a meal, cooking and washing up, there are many factors to consider when it comes to finding a quality care home for people with dementia. This guide will help people spot a good care home straight away. It’s a guide no one should be without.”
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| Editors' notes |
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1. Putting Care Right - your guide to choosing a care home is available at http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/puttingcarerightguide or by contacting the Dementia Helpline on 0845 3000 336. 2. 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia. In the UK 700,000 people have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia. 3. Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information about their work please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk 4. For further information, please contact Brian Iddon's Westminster office on 0207 219 2096 |