Scotland’s first dementia strategy unveiled amid concerns over resources

Campaigners have welcomed Scotland’s first dementia strategy – but say it must be backed with commitment and resources if it is to work.

The strategy was launched this morning by public health minister Shona Robison on a visit to the Time Capsule in Coatbridge.

The strategy – realisation of a commitment made by Ms Robison to make dementia a national priority – describes how the government will support the care and treatment of people of the estimated 71,000 people in Scotland with dementia.

“We want a new era of respect, dignity and self-determination for people with dementia,” the minister said.

The strategy sets out eight specific actions and focuses in particular on improving the support given once someone has been given a diagnosis of dementia, and improving hospital care.

It also commits the Scottish Government to continuing its support for dementia research, and will lead to the development of new national standards of care for people with dementia.

“The dementia strategy lays out how we expect health and social care services to change to respond to the needs of people with dementia – a group that is set to double in size by 2035,” said Ms Robison.

“We have to do things differently, and this strategy is an important step on a very long road. We also have to be creative in how we work, seeking new partners like BIG – who committed £50 million earlier this year, part of which is to focus on improving post-diagnosis support for people with dementia and their families. That money will be important in improving services in future.”

Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, welcomed the strategy, but said it was “unfortunate” that it was only now, in a time of economic uncertainty, that dementia was “receiving the necessary level of government priority”.

“While we would rather see substantial new government money to support its implementation, we do recognise the current public sector funding climate – and we are pleased that BIG intend to invest their dedicated funds in post diagnostic support and early intervention. We must tackle the gaps and problems in the current care system and ensure that the right of people with dementia and their families to personalised, timely and consistent support is realised in practice.

“The strategy is a strong start – now is the time for real action on dementia,” he said.

Mr Simmons said that some of the most important measures do not cost money – these includes respecting people with dementia and their families as equal citizens “with the dignity they deserve”.

Edward McLaughlin, Chair of the Scottish Dementia Working Group, said that services need to be delivered in a new way – and that it needs to start now.

“Timescales have extra importance for those of us who have dementia. Sometimes we invest our effort for those who will follow. But we also want changes to happen in our lifetime.”

Services have to be delivered by a well-trained workforce; centred on the individual and ensuring that no one is unable to access help, he said. “We need to ensure that every person with dementia in Scotland receives the same high standard of care, irrespective of where they live. We’re optimistic that this strategy will deliver those changes.”

The number of people with dementia in Scotland is expected to rise to 127,000 by 2031, which is likely to place huge demands on health and social services, and have an enormous human and economic cost.

Currently there is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments and strategies which can help people and their families to maintain the best quality of life for as long as possible, which is why early diagnosis is seen as important.

Ms Robison will give the keynote speech at Alzheimer Scotland’s national conference, to be held on Monday 7 June in Glasgow, which will be on the dementia strategy and how to make it work.