LONDON, January 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."