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Matt Seex Editor mattseex@stepcomms.com


CARE HOME


ENVIRONMENT Editor Matt Seex


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THE CARE HOME ENVIRONMENT is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


HOME ENVIRONMEN


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Dementia – misconceptions abound


Time for long-term politics


Welcome to the May issue of Home Environment.


Welcome to the July issue of The Care New research commissioned by care The International Longevity Centre UK


home provider Care UK has laid bare many of the misconceptions and fears that people have about dementia. Almost two thirds of the 2,000 people questioned by OnePoll are afraid of developing dementia when they get older. More surprising is the revelation that 11 per cent started worrying about the condition in their 20s. Misconceptions about dementia abound – a fifth of adults wrongly believe that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are different names for the same thing, while 17 per cent believe that if a member of their family develops dementia, this means that they will, too. While fourteen per cent of those questioned think that people living with dementia cannot lead a meaningful life, over a third admitted that they actually know little about the condition. Even though there are (according


(ILC) – the UK’s leading authority on the impact of long lives on society – has set out its five priorities for the new government, arguing that it is ‘time for long-term politics’ when it comes to planning for an ageing population where more and more people are living longer lives. We could, according to the ILC, all be living longer, happier, more active lives – provided the new government is bold in planning for them. Otherwise, we will see ‘health and care systems in crisis, further economic downturn, and public services on the brink’. The ILC is calling on the government to:


n Address the population health crisis with an immediate commitment of six per cent investment in preventative health interventions.


to Alzheimer’s Society) an estimated 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia (a number expected to rise to


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STEP COMMUNICATIONS


Although we are living longer, we are working less. According to the ILC, if we do not turn this around within five years, public services will not have enough workers. Therefore: n The new government must support those who want to work to do so through flexibility-by-default, alongside investment in skills and workplace health.


The share of wealth held by younger people has collapsed, says the ILC. Failure


1.6 million by 2040), Care UK’s research found that 72 per cent of adults have made no effort to learn about the condition. In response, Care UK has launched a new video guide which aims to debunk the myths surrounding dementia and provide support to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the condition. Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing,


to address this risks undermining the intergenerational contract: n The new government must prioritise investment in reducing poverty from the start of life and supporting younger people with a ‘leg-up’ to adulthood.


care and dementia services at Care UK, said: “There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to dementia, and what this means for the person living with it and their family. “In reality, dementia is a condition that


can be managed to ensure those who live with it can continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives and can be supported to still do the things they love. That’s why we’ve launched our latest video guide, One step at a time. Featuring tips from our experts, but also testimonies of residents’ families, it is designed to help people navigate through the dementia journey, from dealing with the initial diagnosis to learning how to live well with dementia.” While the results of Care UK’s research


Finally, according to the ILC, a coherent strategy is needed to support long lives for the future: n The new government must develop a national strategy for long lives, tying demographic change in with the other megatrends of our time: climate change and AI.


might be troubling, they are perhaps not all that surprising. The spectre of dementia – along with the prospect of old age itself – is something most of us push to the back of our minds. It is a scary thing to think about, and most of us would prefer not to do so. Yet it is only a matter of time before dementia affects somebody we love, or indeed us personally. Perhaps, then, we all need to be a little braver and find out more about a condition that is almost certain to come into our lives one day. I hope you enjoy the issue.


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ILC chief executive David Sinclair said: “How is it right that in some parts of the UK, people’s healthy life expectancy is on par with far poorer countries like Angola and Eritrea? Imagine our economic superpower if we levelled up and added five years of good health to everyone. “Why is it that we still write people off


because of their age? Imagine if workers of all ages were supported, enabled and valued – and employers were incentivised to do so. “We need a holistic vision and action from a new government that not only addresses the care and support needed but also celebrates the potential of longer, healthier lives. Rather than short-term sticking plasters, now is the time for long- term politics.” I hope you enjoy the issue.


Older people are underspending and too many are forced out of work too soon. Thus: n The new government needs to make public spaces and the retail environment work for all ages.


THE


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