REPORT OF A RECENT DEBATE HELD AT THE AGE SCOTTISH ASSEMBLY

On September 28th the Scottish Age Assembly Held a Debate on the Issue of Ageing and the Care of Older People.

I was present at this debate, which was addressed by Nicola Sturgeon, who made a very positive speech, some of her main points are as as follows: - The Government in Scotland is determined to push the issue of older people higher up its agenda, they intend to push their ideas forward, both in health and social care. Their intention is to take this responsibility away from the NHS and the local Councils and to put it firmly in the hands of the Central Government, who will develop a plan which will ensure the same level of care is available to all older people right across Scotland. This will be a positive development and will ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

Oder people are frequently not cared for either correctly or with any dignity, this situation has to change, we need to change the present culture of care, better training must be provided, we must ensure accountability  is in force and that adequate financial support is provided. At the moment the number of people being cared for who suffer from dementia is roughly 83000 and this number could double within the next 10 years, this is a big job, a lot of help is and will be required, what we need is for a  dementia champion to be appointed within the Government. ,

It is the firm intention of this Government to provide better care for the elderly and to give them some dignity in old age. Its important that the Government appoints a person to champion this cause, to keep it under the spotlight, look for the best way in which to provide this service to older people. This Government is committed to ensuring that all older people get the best care possible, this is the commitment of this Government.

Report from Alan Sidaway - Unite National RMA Vice Chair