Alzheimer’s Society research reveals people with dementia ‘feel trapped and cut off’

The Alzheimer’s Society is calling on communities to be more dementia friendly as it publishes research revealing that almost 180,000 people with the condition feel trapped in their own homes.

‘Building dementia friendly communities: A priority for everyone’ shows that 44 per cent of people with the condition feel like a burden and avoid getting involved with social activities, with one in three people with dementia only leaving their homes once a week and one in 10 getting out just once a month.

At a conference in London today, the charity will announce 10 key areas that local communities can focus on in order to become more dementia friendly, including challenging the stigma attached to the condition and highlighting the importance of accessible transport. The Alzheimer’s Society believes that by supporting people with dementia and helping them to live in their own homes for longer, communities could help them save up to £11,000 a year each in care costs.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

Commenting on the findings of the report, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt pledged his support to creating more dementia friendly communities across the country. He said: “The dementia timebomb is one of the most pressing challenges this country faces in the years ahead. We have made real progress in starting to tackle this challenge, with over £50m going towards dementia friendly health and care environments, and the first ever G8 Dementia Research Summit to be held in December this year, but this report makes clear that we need to go further and faster to change attitudes and build awareness in our communities. This Government is backing communities to give people with dementia all the help and support they need to live well with this illness.”

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, added: “It’s shocking and saddening that so many people with dementia feel trapped and cut off from everyday local life. It’s encouraging to see some communities have started on their journey of change but it needs to be a priority for everyone to act now. It’s vital we empower people with dementia and their carers.

“By committing to change, communities can give people with dementia the confidence to be part of local life and stay independent for longer. It’s vital that people sign up to the recognition process to kick-start this movement and help change attitudes and behaviour.”

Nick Clegg at last month's Dementia Friends information session

In February the charity launched Dementia Friends, an initiative designed to improve the public’s understanding of the condition and to make England more dementia friendly. The scheme, which is funded by the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office, is backed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who pledged his support following a meeting with Mr Hughes last month.

For more information, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk.