Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Thursday, 27 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures (a) have been recently introduced and (b) are proposed to provide appropriate residential care for those less than 50 years of age suffering from dementia in (i) England and (ii) Wirral; what (a) recent measures have been introduced and (b) what measures are proposed to support those under 50 years of age suffering from dementia in (i) England and (ii) Wirral.

Answer: Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures (a) have been recently introduced and (b) are proposed to provide appropriate residential care for those less than 50 years of age suffering from dementia in (i) England and (ii) Wirral; [141461] (2) what (a) recent measures have been introduced and (b) what measures are proposed to support those under 50 years of age suffering from dementia in (i) England and (ii) Wirral. [141462] Dr. Ladyman: The national service framework for older people includes a standard about promoting good mental health in older people and treating and supporting those older people with depression and people of all ages with dementia. The standard sets out the key interventions required for people with dementia, a service model, action required by the national health service and councils, and milestones for assessing progress. In March 2003, my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn), announced that, as part of the eighth wave of its work, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be producing guidelines on dementia care. These will benefit people of all ages with dementia. Local councils are responsible for identifying the care needs of those living in their area and for purchasing or providing the appropriate care. This includes the need for residential care for people with early onset dementia.

Secondary information