Direct payments 'could benefit people with dementia'

A new report has claimed that people with dementia could be missing out on direct payments for social care support.

The Alzheimer's Society has highlighted the fact that up to three-quarters of eligible people are not using direct payments or other personal budgets.

It is calling for the current system to be adapted to cope with the specific needs of people with dementia.

Of the 300,000 people with the condition and living in the community, fewer than 40 per cent thave been offered a personal budget or direct payment.

The charity's Getting Personal? report highlighted the benefits that this form of service can provide in terms of independence and the ability to purchase services.

Jeremy Hughes, the charity's chief executive, said: "Personal budgets can put people with dementia in the driving seat of their care, yet moves to roll them out are still in first gear."

Over 55s in general face a higher cost of living than the general population, with Age UK claiming that older adults have seen an 18 per cent increase in prices.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.