Hi everyone,
I don't want to interrupt the discussion, just add a few comments...
It sounds like the issues raised in ‘Care’ are familiar to many members on Talking Point and many of you have been through similar experiences. For some people, good care and support can be put in place but for many people, the story doesn’t end as well.
Alzheimer’s Society was aware of the programme being made and whilst we weren’t involved in making it, we commend Jimmy McGovern for casting a light on family carers – often an invisible group of people who may end up sacrificing their careers, relationships, health and wellbeing to care for loved ones with dementia. Jimmy based the story on the real-life experiences of the programme’s co-writer who found herself caring for her mother and her own family at the same time. The broken social care system was illustrated by Jenny’s story and as many of us know, she isn’t alone.
As many Talking Point members know, it is very difficult to access
NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) for people with dementia. Because NHS CHC is awarded when a person's primary need is a health need, and dementia is classed as a social care need, NHS CHC is very hard for people affected by dementia to access - underscoring the inequity they face. Alzheimer’s Society has heard of people with dementia being denied NHS CHC even when they are at the last stages of their life, unable to eat, drink or move and has repeatedly called for the NHS CHC to reform.
If you are able to, I’d encourage you to unite with us and back the Fix Dementia Care campaign, and ensure this government turns its attentions to an issue affecting people living with dementia, and their families. To do this, visit
www.alzheimers.org.uk/fixdementiacare
Please do continue to discuss this. If you have comments or questions – you're welcome to email us at
talkingpoint@alzheimers.org.uk
Serena