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11 September 2014 09:38
A charity has called for changes to the social care system after claiming that a "dementia tax" is being paid by sufferers of the disease and their families.
The Alzheimer's Society said that people with dementia pay up to £21,000 a year in social and unpaid care costs while other patients with long-term conditions are looked after by the state.
According to the charity, £26 billion is the total cost for health and social care costs to the UK for dementia.
However, approximately £17.4 billion of that figure is forked out for by dementia sufferers, their carers and families, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
Officials from the charity pointed out that dementia sufferers contribute tax towards the NHS during their working life but have to pay again to cover care costs when they develop the condition.
Dubbing the situation a "dementia tax", Alzheimer's Scotland said it "unfairly disadvantages" sufferers. The body called on the Government to end the "artificial divide" between the health and social care systems.
The benefits of holidays for people with dementia
Holidays can benefit both people with dementia and their carers, offering a change in scenery and in routine.
Having trouble deciding what kind of holiday to organise? These tips from the Alzheimer's Society can perhaps help you decide.
Staying with friends and relatives - Discuss the holiday with your loved ones and suggest how each person can help Independent travel - This can be suitable for some people with dementia, but they would be responsible for planning and arranging the holiday - research can help establish whether a hotel or destination is right Mainstream package holiday - People with dementia are urged to discuss their needs with a travel agent when it comes to package holidays Specialist provision - A number of different services are available for dementia sufferers and carers
Whatever holiday you decide to choose, it is prudent to make sure that you have sufficient alzheimers travel insurance in place.
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