I am writing to ask David Lepper MP to support the Alzheimer's Society campaign for free health care for older people.

The Government has rejected one of the central recommendations

of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care which said that all

personal care should be provided free.

For someone with dementia this would mean financial support for care needs such as help with eating, dressing, washing and toileting.

These needs result from a medical condition and it is wrong that the care is not provided by the NHS.

The distinction which the Government makes between "personal"

and "nursing" care is artificial and is rejected by the Royal College of Nursing.

Personal care does not refer to "a bit of help with shopping and cleaning". Over the years, it has come to refer to specialist support from trained staff.

People with dementia are ill but, unlike other people with terminal conditions, still expected to pay for their own health care.

Jane Launchbury

Ewart Street,

-Brighton