On Monday 30 May the Scottish Government announced that they were inviting people with dementia to join a new panel to help shape policy and delivery. This national, independent group will also be open to unpaid carers.
Alzheimer Scotland’s response to this announcement is below.
“In 2009 we worked with the Alzheimer Cross Party Group to develop the Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers. This was informed from a human rights perspective, and the principle of participation enshrined in the charter has ensured that the voice of people with lived experience has shaped each of the National Dementia Strategies since that time. We are pleased to learn today that the Scottish Government is taking this step to further enhance these fundamental rights.
"It is quite clear to us that there is still a great deal to be done to ensure that people with dementia and their families are listened to. For example, the many thousands of people with lived experience who support Alzheimer Scotland’s Fair Dementia Care campaign and our call for an end to the unequal and unfair charging policies placed on people with advanced dementia. These voices need listened to - and acted upon. Alongside this, the voices of the many individuals with lived experience who helped shaped the three consecutive National Dementia Strategies cannot be forgotten. Implementing these strategic commitments might have been derailed as a result of the pandemic, but as we come out of the pandemic we need to see a meaningful return to implementing each of the main commitments if we are to honour the contributions of those with lived experience who have already given so much to support and develop national and local dementia policy.”
Jim Pearson, Director Policy & Practice, Alzheimer Scotland