Elin Jones has backed the Alzheimer’s Society’s campaign for a fair deal for people with dementia, as figures reveal that there are over 1,217 people in Ceredigion who have the condition. Elin has with representatives of the Alzheimers Society, and discussed their ‘45000 Reasons’ campaign for a comprehensive dementia strategy in Wales.
Plaid Cymru has firm plans to phase out social care charges for people with dementia.
Some dementia care is currently regarded as ‘social care’ and therefore means-tested, where NHS care is currently free at the point of need.
Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Minister and AM for Ceredigion, said;
“It’s only right that we give a fair deal for people with dementia; a significant proportion of the population and one which will only increase as we age as a society.
“The Alzheimer’s Society is right to draw attention to the challenges this poses, through their ‘45000 Reasons’ campaign in Wales.
“It’s time we grasped the nettle. Plaid Cymru proposes that, over the course of the next five-year assembly term, nursing and residential care charges for those with dementia will be abolished.
“People with conditions which have similar burdens, such as cancer and dementia, currently have different levels of support from the state. A person receiving a cancer diagnosis can expect the majority of care to be free, whilst a person receiving a dementia diagnosis can expect to be means-tested and pay for a vast amount of their care.
“I’m determined to equalise this care. A Plaid Cymru-led Government would deliver free personal care for the elderly and those with dementia. It is about keeping the social contract with people who have worked throughout their lives, paid their taxes, and who now need care; Plaid Cymru promises to deliver that care and take away the financial barriers to care.”