A new piece of work being carried out by the Mental Health Foundation aims to make available and promote different forms of self-directed support, including direct payments, individual budgets, and personal budgets to people living with dementia and their carers.

As a result of the Health & Social Care Act 2008 there will be much greater opportunity for the 580,000 people with dementia in England* and their carers to benefit from direct payments. Previously, legislation had prevented people who lack mental capacity to benefit from this type of self-directed support.

But the uptake of the different forms of self-directed support for people living with dementia and their carers remains low. ‘Dementia Choices’, funded by the Department of Health, will identify the reasons why and recommend solutions, that will be disseminated nationally.

Toby Williamson, Head of Development for the Mental Health Foundation, said: “This project aims to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. Whilst eligible for self-directed support, many are still not accessing or benefiting from what’s available. Working with voluntary and statutory groups and organisations we hope to identify and help overcome the barriers.”

Claire Goodchild, National Programme Manager of Dementia Implementation at the Department of Health, said: “Dementia Choices will play an important role in improving community personal support, which is a key theme in the Government's National Dementia Strategy.  It should accelerate our knowledge and boost our understanding of how we can help people to live well with dementia.  We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Mental Health Foundation on this vital project”.

The Mental Health Foundation is seeking expressions of interest from organisations interested in taking part in the project as a pilot site. Closing date is Monday 7 September 2009; visit http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/older-people/dementia-choices/ ...
* Dementia UK, 2007
** Funded by the Department of Health’s Innovation, Excellence and Service Development Third Sector Investment programme