Jeremy Hunt focused on dementia
Published on 25 October 2012 10:30 AM
Today, Jeremy Hunt will pledge £50 million of Government spending to improve hospital and care home conditions for dementia sufferers.
The Health Secretary will outline plans at the National Children's and Adults' Services Conference in Eastbourne.
Improving care for dementia patients is expected to become one of Mr Hunt's highest priorities.
His speech will include the following excerpt: 'We've all seen the reports - of people with dementia being criminally abused by their care workers or drugged up with a chemical cosh just so a care assistant can get a good night's sleep.'
The funding boost is expected to be used by care homes and hospitals to create more tranquil environments, which are expected to help reduce confusion.
Mr Hunt will say that dementia is one of the greatest threats to society in the UK. It is likely to affect us all in some way, whether we are a sufferer, an acquaintance or a carer.
Reducing the stigma of dementia
The Health Secretary also wants to reduce the stigma associated with dementia. He believes that sufferers are no longer valued in certain areas of our culture.
Government funding is expected to be allocated during the first half of next year and local regions will begin bidding in the next few months.
It is expected that the cash will be used for a range of improvements - from large-print signs and old photographs to establish connections with the past through, to hi-tech sensory rooms and adapted outdoor areas.
'Best in the world' at caring for older people?
However, the president of The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Sarah Pickup has voiced caution over Mr Hunt's recent talk. Mr Hunt said that England should become the 'best in the world' at caring for older people, but this is not demonstrated in the amount of money being invested in the care system.
Sarah Pickup said: 'At the moment [social care] is a minimum wage industry. We have to think about what good care costs and be prepared to pay it.'
The Local Government Association's David Rogers also wants to see immediate action taken to improve services.
He said that the funding crisis has led to a situation where the care system is verging on collapse.
Copyright Press Association 2012