50,000 will have to leave work this year to care for someone with dementia

An article In the Independent examines the “cost” and the devastating impact dementia has on families, carers and society as a whole.  

In a report compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) it states that “up to £1.6 billion a year is lost to English business every year, as employees take time off or leave work altogether to provide at-home care for elderly relatives.”

Alzheimer’s Society, is launching a new campaign, Dementia Friends, alongside the government body Public Health England (PHE) to promote “a whole society response” to dementia, which now affects around 800,000 people in the UK.

It is my experience that many relatives and family members feel utterly exhausted both mentally and physically and also feel very unsupported. 
This move will hopefully give all involved a better quality of life with much more support than is presently available.

“Dementia isn’t just a health condition,” Jeremy Hunt said. “It attacks the fabric of our society and can take a huge toll on the families and friends of those affected by the disease,” he said. “I am urging everyone – families, communities, and businesses to come together to ensure that people with dementia can continue to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.”

More must be done to support and sustain people with dementia and their families.

Everyone should become a dementia friend at www.dementiafriends.org.uk