Craegmoor CEO Calls on Care Providers to Respond in Kind to Government Announcement on Dementia Research

LONDON, January 14, 2011 - Responding to the Department of Health's announcement today
(14th January 2011) that funding for dementia research is to be prioritised,
Ted Smith, CEO of Craegmoor - the leading provider of specialist support for
older people, people with learning disabilities, autism, complex needs and
mental illnesses - said today:

"The Government's announcement today that dementia research is
to be prioritised is welcome news. The Care Services Minister has rightly
described dementia as 'one of the biggest challenges our society faces'.

"Research undertaken now will help to alleviate the many
problems associated with dementia in the future. However, it is incumbent on
all providers of care to make a similar commitment to ensure that people
living with dementia right now, and indeed their families, receive the best
support possible.

"At Craegmoor we have invested in a Dementia Strategy that
applies to every service we operate. Craegmoor's Dementia Strategy provides
specific training for staff at all levels, from an introductory course to
management level training, to make sure that the people we work with receive
the highest standard of support. Another key element is Project Living
Spaces, which is seeing the provision of living environments specially
designed to meet the needs of people living with dementia, based on the
latest research and best practice.

"Investment in the future is hugely important and the
Government's lead on this is to be applauded. Providers and commissioners of
care alike also have a responsibility to invest in the right support right
now."

For further information please contact the Craegmoor Media Team on: +44(0)1905-459-813