In Parliament, I was pleased to attend Dementia UK’s event on making the cost of care fairer for people with dementia.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding can be a lifeline for people with complex health needs. However, too many people affected by dementia are missing out on this vital funding because the CHC process does not recognise their unique and complex health needs. I have experience of supporting my elderly parents and the quest to obtain CHC for them, therefore fully appreciate the problems that are too often encountered.
At the event I met with representatives from Dementia UK and Admiral Nurses as well as local Erewash resident Rachel, who cared for her father who had dementia and faced significant obstacles in accessing vital CHC funding.
I am backing Dementia UK’s Fix the Funding campaign and am calling for an urgent review of the CHC process so there is a greater understanding and recognition of the health needs of people with dementia.
This includes a specific focus on how cognitive and behavioural needs are assessed, and ensuring dementia specialists are involved in the CHC assessment process.
More information about Dementia UK’s Fix the Funding campaign can be found online here.