Every year, dementia affects more and more people in the UK. By 2025, over one million people are expected to be living with dementia, and by 2051, this number is predicted to soar to over two million. As the number of people with dementia increases, the funding needed to cover the cost of dementia care will also go up.
To help ensure that dementia sufferers receive the help and support they need, Dame Barbara Windsor is spearheading a new campaign to boost funding for dementia care. By taking her fight straight to Number 10, Dame Barbara is helping to make the future a little brighter for everyone affected by the condition.
Dame Barbara Windsor and dementia
Dame Barbara Windsor has been a household name in the UK for decades. After starring in a number of classic Carry On films, the actress moved into the Queen Vic, becoming one of EastEnders’ most iconic characters in the process.
In 2014, Dame Barbara was diagnosed with dementia. In 2016, she left Walford for good in order to focus on her health, and in 2018, her husband Scott Mitchell made her diagnosis public. Since then, both Windsor and her husband have been working to raise awareness of dementia and the impact it can have on both the sufferer and their family.
Funding for dementia care
A lot of the time, people with dementia require a high level of care. From help with daily chores to medical care and support getting out and about, people with dementia often have complex needs and requirements.
Unlike many other illnesses, people can live with dementia for years. As a result, the cost of dementia care can be significant and many people struggle to keep their finances afloat when caring for someone with the condition.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the average cost of dementia care in the UK is £100,000. At the moment, people with assets over £23,250, including their house, have to contribute to the cost of their care. This can be a real burden for sufferers and their families and can cause significant stress and anxiety.
Increased funding for dementia care
To help remove the burden from dementia sufferers, and ensure everyone with the condition has access to the care they need, Dame Barbara Windsor is asking the government to commit to creating a dementia fund. The actress wants Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pledge £2.4bn for dementia care. This money would be used to help properly fund dementia care and ensure that everyone suffering from the condition has the help and the support they need to thrive.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, you can find out more about the help and support available by exploring our site or getting in touch with a member of our friendly team.
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