Stop the Cuts

Ishbel’s story

“My husband Jim and I always loved to travel and socialise, and we’d often have big groups of friends over for dinner.

“I first noticed small signs that something wasn’t right about five years ago when Jim started struggling to set the table – something he’d been used to doing well for years. He then had difficulties driving and would forget how to get to familiar places.

“Eventually he was diagnosed in 2021 with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, when he was 75.

“We used to enjoy long walks together and travelling abroad, while Jim played five-a-side football. But as his health has declined, we’re not able to get out and about as much.

“We were lucky enough to find out about Alzheimer Scotland’s day care service at the Maples centre in Stenhousemuir and Jim has attended twice a week since last year, for three hours each day.

“It’s a real lifeline both for people living with dementia and for carers like me. Jim loves being in company and I’m told he’s the life and soul when he’s at the centre.

“It can be challenging being a full-time carer and having that little bit of time to myself each week is so important and really keeps me sane. I know Jim is being looked after by trained staff, so I can take a bit of time to myself to see friends, run errands or go to appointments.

“It’s absolutely beyond belief that this service, and others like it, might be closed. It’s tragic for the people with dementia and also for their carers. I don’t know how I would cope without it.

“Without a service like this, it would put a huge amount of strain on me and my family. I’m 78 now and there’s only so much I can do for Jim. Our son and our friends help as much as they can but they have busy lives too.

“The people making these decisions don’t understand how important services like day care are for those affected by dementia, and the huge impact of closing them. None of the people who go to the centre with Jim have been consulted and no one knows what’s going to happen next. It’s a very worrying time.”

Ishbel is just one of many carers already feeling the strain as dementia services across Scotland face the threat of closure or cuts. These vital lifelines for families are at risk, with some being quietly reduced or earmarked for cuts. Carers can’t keep filling the gaps alone. Help stop the cuts by signing our petition today. Sign up here.