This Dementia Action Week (May 17-23), James Sunderland, MP for the Bracknell constituency, is joining Alzheimer’s Society in asking the Government to #CuretheCareSystem.

It’s been a devastating year for people affected by dementia. Right now, in the Bracknell constituency and across the UK, nearly a million families are struggling to take care of their loved ones with the dignity and support they deserve. Decades of under-funding have led to a system that is difficult to access, costly, inadequate and unfair. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed these problems like never before.

More than 35,000 people with dementia have died of Covid-19 – around one in four of all UK deaths – making those with the condition the worst hit by the pandemic. Furthermore, many people living with dementia have experienced a significant deterioration in their condition due, in large part, to interrupted health and social care.

During his first speech as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised to ‘fix the crisis in social care once and for all.’ This Dementia Action Week, James Sunderland echoes Alzheimer’s Society’s call for the Government to deliver on that promise by publishing a clear, budgeted plan for social care reform as soon as possible.

The legacy of the pandemic must be the rebuilding of a social care system that we want to grow old in – now and for future generations. It’s time to #CuretheCareSystem.

James Sunderland MP for the Bracknell constituency said:

“I’m proud to support Dementia Action Week and Alzheimer’s Society’s calls for the government to announce its plans and commitments for social care reform as a matter of urgency.

“NHS care is provided according to need and is free at the point of use. As a matter of fairness, dementia care must be delivered on the same principle.

“Many of my constituents are affected by dementia, and they deserve to be able to access the person-centred care and support they need to live well. That’s why we need to cure the care system now.”

An Alzheimer’s Society spokesperson added:

“Dementia does not just impact on the person diagnosed. It claims more than one life as families battle for the right care for themselves and their loved ones.

“Our findings paint a bleak picture. Family carers are exhausted, with more than 40% putting in more than 100 caring hours per week.

“People with dementia and their loved ones have told us they simply aren’t getting the care and support they need. Sadly, too many family carers reach a point of crisis before receiving help.”