Stop the cuts
Scotland is sleepwalking into a dementia care crisis – and we must act now. Vital community services that support tens of thousands of people living with dementia, their families, and carers are being cut across the country.
The devastating decisions to cut these services are being made behind closed doors, with no public consultation and no voice for the people most affected.
Among the worst affected areas are care at home, respite and day care services, which provide lifeline support to people who are in a moderate to advanced stage of their illness.
Post diagnostic support services are also under pressure in some areas, despite a world leading commitment that every person diagnosed should receive a minimum of one year’s support.
These services are not optional extras. They are vital healthcare, and without them, people living with dementia are left to struggle alone. Carers are being pushed to breaking point, emotionally, physically and financially.
Every small cut adds up to the decimation of dementia services.
Every local authority in Scotland has now restricted social care to only the most critical cases. Unless someone has a very high level of need, they are no longer eligible for support. This means people with dementia who need therapeutic or social support are being turned away.
The bar is now set so high that many are left with no help and are forced to wait until they reach crisis point.