My mum has Vascular Dementia and her health has declined severely in recent months. She has comorbidities and has been told that she is not eligible for reablement. However, due to her dementia, she is not considered for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) or even classified as palliative, despite needing care for the rest of her life. This frustrating gap in care highlights a devastating issue faced by many families dealing with dementia.

Dementia is a progressive, life-limiting illness that affects approximately 850,000 people in the UK, with numbers expected to rise to over a million by 2025. Despite dementia's severe impact on health and well-being, current criteria often render many patients ineligible for CHC funding simply because they have been diagnosed with dementia, which is seen as a social rather than a health need. This classification undermines the reality that dementia is a devastating ailment, often requiring comprehensive, long-term medical care.

The NHS continues to differentiate dementia from other chronic conditions that qualify for CHC funding, leaving countless individuals and their families at a disadvantage. This policy not only places an undue financial burden on families but also underestimates the extensive medical and care needs associated with living with dementia.

We urge the NHS and policymakers to re-evaluate their criteria for CHC funding to include dementia as a qualifying condition. We call for a policy change that acknowledges dementia as both a medical condition and a long-term care necessity, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care and support they deserve.

By signing this petition, you can help incite a change that will provide the support and recognition needed for dementia patients and their families. Please, add your voice to this crucial cause, and help drive policy changes that can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Sign this petition now and stand with us in demanding fair and essential healthcare support for all dementia patients. Thank you for your support.