§ Mr. Patrick HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of people in care homes have a form of dementia; what proportion of care homes are registered as being able to accept people with Alzheimer's disease; and what plans he has to ensure that care home staff receive dementia care training. [138926]
§ Dr. LadymanData are not collected on the number of people with dementia, in the population generally or in care homes in particular. Research evidence shows that about five per cent, of the population over 65 has dementia. This represents about 600,000 people in the United Kingdom. Alzheimer's disease causes up to 60 per cent. of cases of dementia.
All care homes which have the client group/service user category of DE (dementia under 65 years) or DE(E) (dementia over 65 years) are able to accept client/service users with Alzheimer's disease.
Regulation 18 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 requires care home providers to ensure that at all times there are suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff working in care homes in such numbers as are appropriate for the health and welfare of the residents. It also requires providers to ensure the staff they employ receive training appropriate to the work they are to perform. The National Care Standards Commission is responsible for ensuring care homes conform to the regulations and meet the assessed needs of residents.