Dilnot recommendations could end 'dementia tax'

The recommendations made by the Dilnot Commission on Funding of Care and Support could end the "dementia tax", where thousands of families are left with no choice but to pay for older members' care costs while other conditions are paid for by the NHS, the Alzheimer's Society has said.

Andrew Dilnot's review, which recommended introducing a £35,000 cap on care costs and providing financial support to those with under £100,000 of assets, was released earlier this week.

Jeremy Hughes of the Alzheimer's Society said the recommendations represent a unique chance for the government to right a wrong that is "destroying lives".

"In a new system we must end the postcode lottery that gives different support depending on local authority," he said.

"The Dilnot Commission has given the coalition government the opportunity to show that it is a caring government."

Recently, a team of Santander employees raised £14,528 for the Alzheimer's Society by abseiling down Milton Keynes' Ramada Encore Hotel.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.