Dementia: Social Services

(asked on 2nd July 2015) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps are being taken as part of the Government's dementia strategy to (a) improve the safety of people with dementia while at home and (b) raise awareness of safety around household electrical appliances for people with dementia.


Answered by
 Portrait
Jane Ellison
This question was answered on 9th July 2015

As part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020, we want to see greater information and support for people with dementia to access housing options which meet their care and lifestyle needs, including appropriate support to remain in the home of their choice.

The 2020 challenge wants to see increased numbers of people with dementia being able to live longer and safely in their own homes when it is in their interests to do so, with a greater focus on independent living.

The Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group is currently working with a wide range of organisations to consider how to improve the safety of people with dementia who are living in their own homes. The Department will continue to work with the Champion Group to consider issues such as fire and electrical safety for people with dementia, rather than meeting separately with individual organisations.

The Government signed up to a memorandum of understanding with the housing sector, social care and housing services to improve joint action to improve health through the home, which is very relevant for people living with dementia.

Public Health England is working with the fire service to raise awareness of house safety as part of all house visits for all older adults, including those with dementia.

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