Published: Wednesday 16 August 2017 Response to news on Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for people with dementia
Joy Watson is one of our highly valued ambassadors, doing a huge amount to raise awareness both of dementia and Alzheimer’s Society. She has recently seen her benefits to be cut.
It’s very concerning that people like Joy are left to struggle because of what appears to be serious flaws in the Personal Independent Payments assessment process when it comes to people with dementia. This includes a poor understanding of the needs of younger people with dementia.
Dementia is a progressive, terminal condition that affects each individual differently. It is absolutely essential those responsible for carrying out benefit assessments have a comprehensive understanding of this. We have provided information on dementia to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for use by Independent Assessment Services assessors but have had no reassurance that this is being put into practice, which is deeply concerning.
Joy is a valued ambassador and has done a fantastic amount of awareness-raising for Alzheimer’s Society. We are in touch with Joy and her family and have offered continued support, as well as continuing our attempts to liaise with the DWP regarding support for people living with dementia.
