Kevin Whatley wants better care for dementia patients

ACTOR Kevin Whately says there should be a gold standard for care homes that look after people suffering from dementia.

Whately, famous playing the eponymous title character in the police detective drama Lewis, spoke yesterday of his experience of trying to find a home for his mother who was diagnosed with the condition.

The Alzheimer’s Society ambassador said there is no excuse for poorly-equipped homes and that they should be better integrated into the community.

The 62-year-old TV star said: “I first became aware she had dementia in her mid-70s, which was ten years ago, but by the time she had to go into a home it was already a crisis moment.

“She had been sectioned and she wouldn’t come down south where all her kids were.

“Too many people start looking for a care home when they’re in crisis and then you’re stuck.”

He added: “There are plenty of good places around but there should a gold standard so that everyone can follow it.”

An Alzheimer’s Society report published yesterday revealed that 80 per cent of people in residential care homes have either dementia or severe memory problems.