The NHS is providing a second-class service to thousands of people with dementia who live in care homes, charity claims.
An investigation by the Alzheimer’s Society, involving a survey of over 285 care home managers in England, revealed almost half feel the NHS isn’t providing residents with dementia adequate and timely access to vital services.
It also revealed one in five care homes surveyed are being wrongly charged by GP practices for services that should be free on the NHS – up to as much as £36,000 a year. The total cost of GP charges to care homes is estimated to exceed £26m a year.
Alzheimer’s Society argues this contravenes the NHS’ constitution which states that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, should have access to the NHS services they need free at the point of use.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the society said: 'People with dementia living in care homes are just as entitled to receive free care from the NHS as anyone else. A care home is, after all, a person’s home and health services must treat care homes as a vital part of the community, instead of holding them in disregard.
'It’s unacceptable that this NHS double standard is leaving people with dementia waiting months for physiotherapy, incontinence and mental health services. In that time we are concerned they’re being robbed of essential care and pain relief, as well as their dignity, self-esteem and independence.
'With 70% of care home residents living with dementia, we’re urging everyone to get behind our campaign to transform the second-class service that many receive.'
