Stop the Cuts

Jeanette’s story

“My husband David and I had busy lives after we retired. He was chair of the history society and we both volunteered at the local museum and sang in a choir, while I was a member of the women’s guild.

“But since David was diagnosed in 2022 with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, our lives have changed a lot. David used to enjoy running marathons, but now he uses a wheelchair and his communication is quite limited.

“We’re both 83 and for me, physically, it’s becoming more difficult to care for him and to do things like get him in and out of the car.

“We heard about Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Resource Centre in Clydebank two years ago and it’s been such an important support for both of us. Before then I was having to cope mostly on my own which was a real challenge.

“David attends the centre twice a week and really enjoys his time there and having the company of other people. It’s so important for me too because I know he’s being well looked after by trained staff, while I can get a little bit of time to myself. I don’t know what I’d do without it.

“I don’t understand why anyone would think of cutting a service like this when so many people out there need it. Where are people with dementia and their carers meant to go?

“As David’s condition progresses, we’ll need more support and respite, not less. The people making these decisions don’t realise what a lifeline these services are and I just hope we can stop these cuts.”

Thank you to Jeanette for sharing her story.

We are urging decision-makers to safeguard vital dementia services. Reductions in funding put people living with dementia and their families at risk of losing essential support that enables them to live well every day.

That is why we are campaigning to ensure these services are not only protected but improved, so that no one has to face dementia alone. Sign the petition here.