Alzheimer’s Society asks for help with people in Mid Sussex ‘dying from loneliness’

The charity is urging its supporters to sign a letter calling on the Government to set out a clear timetable for the reintroduction of ‘meaningful visits’ from loved ones for people living in care homes, where at least 70 per cent of residents have dementia.

Its new campaign – Wait until May? No Way! – highlights the importance of such visits which, it said, are vital to the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia.

Jacqui Justice-Chrisp, Alzheimer’s Society’s area manager for Sussex, said: “Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that Covid-19 death rates are now at their highest levels in care homes, and many residents have not seen their loved ones for almost a year.

“When visits have happened, they all too often fail to meet the needs of people with dementia.

“While progress on vaccinating care home residents is welcome, we are concerned that low vaccination rates for care home staff will further delay the reintroduction of meaningful visits for residents and their loved ones.

“This lack of contact from their loved ones means people with dementia are deteriorating at a much faster rate than they would otherwise.

“They are not just dying due to Covid-19. They are also dying from loneliness.

“We need the public to sign our online letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, so care home residents can be reunited with their loved ones at the earliest possible opportunity.”

The letter calls on the Government prioritises care home visits as part of its upcoming roadmap to ease lockdown, expected to be revealed later this month.

The Alzheimer’s Society insisted family carers were an integral part of the care system and when removed, the essential care and wellbeing of the individual suffers.

The letter can be found by visiting the Alzheimer’s Society website at alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirus-campaigns