A charity says it has been forced to double its charge for daycare services for people with dementia due to ‘desperately unfair’ NHS cuts.
The price hike is another blow for residents with dementia, with the loss of the dedicated respite centre at Hollins View last year, with fears that many users will be unable to afford the higher price.
Jean Bennett, who campaigned against the closure of Hollins View, said there was a ‘desperate need’ for services for people with dementia, but acknowledged that Age UK were in a difficult position.
She said: “We’ve lost Hollins View, everything is just being eradicated.
“Why do these cuts always target the elderly and those with mental health issues?”
Pam Jagger, who runs the fortnightly Golden Memories group in Tytherington and whose husband has dementia, says their costs would increase from £150 a month to £400.
She said: “I think it will exclude a lot of people from being able to go.
“I just feel that some families won’t be able to afford it.”
She added that the day care services also provide vital respite support for carers which may no longer be possible.
Macclesfield South ward councillor Laura Jeuda said: “Any dementia services are welcome but they have to be provided so anyone can access them, not just those who can afford it.
“This will exclude a lot of people.”
Age UK Cheshire East currently runs daily sessions at the New Horizons Centre on Henderson Street in Macclesfield. The new sessions will take place for £49 per day, compared to the current charges of between £17 and £29.
However it will increase its available day places from 40 to 150 per week and provide 30 places for short term respite care.
Services used by 40 people in Poynton, Congleton, Mobberley and Handforth will also cease at the end of this month, with people having to either make their own way to Macclesfield or pay for transport provided by the charity.
Chief Executive for Age UK Cheshire East, Damon Taylor, said they had no choice but to increase prices due to cuts.
He said: “We’ve lost £79,000 in funding. It’s desperately unfair but without funding coming from anywhere it just can’t be helped.
“We’re a charity and try to keep costs as low as possible, we’re not seeking to make a profit.
“We can also provide advice to ensure people get all the funding they’re entitled to.”
He added that the new services would be longer and would be led by paid workers as well as volunteers.
A spokesperson from NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group said it faces increasing financial challenges.
She added: “Having reviewed the evaluation reports, it was determined that the Age UK daycare for people living with dementia scheme fell outside of the CCG’s statutory commissioning responsibilities.
“As such, we will cease to provide a yearly grant of £79,624, but have made a one-off grant of £25,541, in order for Age UK to
utilise alternative funding arrangements and service continuation.”
