U.K.: Alzheimer's Care Very Poor, Says Report

LONDON, England (The Observer on Sunday), November 25, 2007: A major report by the Alzheimer's Society finds that, while there are some 'outstanding' examples of care, much of it is very poor and a disturbing amount is 'absolutely appalling'. England has 18,000 care homes, of which 5,000 are nursing homes. The other 13,000 are residential homes providing only social care, though a large proportion of their residents will have dementia. The report, due on Tuesday, draws together interviews with more than 3,500 carers, residents, care home owners and staff as part of a new campaign, Putting Care Right. Care staff say specialist dementia training would make a significant difference. However, there is very little available and insufficient incentives and funds from government to encourage care home owners to provide it. By Yvonne Roberts © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007