Improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers: the Prime Minister's challenge and a challenge for us all

The profile of adult social care has probably never been higher and one of the biggest questions is how to manage demographic pressures on services as resources reduce, while aiming to improve outcomes and maintain quality. One group which brings these issues into sharp focus is the rising number of people with dementia and their carers. In this particular instance we have the additional focus given by the launch of the Prime Minister's dementia challenge. The challenge seeks to move further and faster in achieving the aims of the national dementia strategy focusing particularly on creating dementia-friendly communities, improving care and health and better research. This article sets out the context for the challenge, the logic behind extending the particular objectives set out in the challenge to better encompass social care and describes the action plan put together by the champion group for improving health and care. The article goes on to suggest that while the objectives of the Prime Minister's challenge and the action plan are to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers, there is much that translates to care and support more generally. The vision set out in the recent white paper on care and support is one which will complement and enhance the objectives set out here. We will get the best outcomes if we focus on individuals and their needs in the context of their families and communities, providing treatment or support for specific conditions including dementia, but never losing sight of the person. If we can get some of these things right for people with dementia we will get it right for others too.