Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Macleod Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Anna Soubry]

That was not my understanding of the former Secretary of State’s comments, but I can say that we are absolutely determined to ensure that fairness is achieved, and all the factors she mentions are important in ensuring that fairness.

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

9. What steps the Government are taking to improve care for people with dementia.

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

Tackling dementia—particularly the shockingly low diagnosis rates—is a key priority for me and the Prime Minister.

[Mary Macleod]

I welcome the Government’s steps to support carers and the work they have done, especially on the £400 million to give carers’ breaks from their important responsibilities. Will my right hon. Friend explain what is being done to increase awareness and understanding of carers’ health care needs?

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is right to highlight this point. In the draft Care and Support Bill, local authorities will be required to meet the eligible needs of carers. That is a particular concern with dementia, because, all too often, someone looking after a partner with dementia gets to a tipping point where there is no alternative to residential care, but, if we can give them better support, they will have a better chance of remaining at home, which, in the vast majority of cases, is where they want to be.