ONS data shows twice the anticipated number of deaths in care homes – Alzheimer’s Society comments
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New updated figures today from the ONS have given insight into the number of care home deaths due to Covid-19 in England and Wales:
New updated figures today from the ONS have given insight into the number of care home deaths due to Covid-19 in England and Wales:
- 2,231 more deaths in care homes in England and Wales (including from Covid-19), this is twice the amount we would anticipate for this time of year, taking an average for this week over the last five years.
- Care home deaths are falling but the overall proportion of deaths taking place in care homes continues to rise.
Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing for Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“It’s devastating to see there are still double the number of deaths in care homes we’d anticipate for this time of year, and that’s not counting the huge rise in unexplained deaths. People with dementia are not getting the ‘protective ring’ around them that the Government has promised even though dementia is the most common underlying condition for coronavirus deaths and over 40% of care homes we spoke to are still worried about getting enough protective equipment.
“Dementia must be brought to the forefront of the Government’s coronavirus response in care homes, and the Government must rise to the challenge of supporting people with dementia living at home, isolated from their loved ones. Too many people with dementia are dying in this pandemic, but with swift action we can still save lives.”
Donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal at alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirus-appeal to help fund increasing demand via our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456, to support people with dementia during this difficult time.
