Hansard

I join other members in congratulating Richard Lyle on securing the debate and setting the scene very well indeed. I add my thanks to Alzheimer Scotland for its detailed report, which, as others have suggested, shines a much-needed light on the issue of advanced dementia, helps with our understanding of the condition and, importantly, exposes where there are gaps in the treatment and care that are available to those who are affected by this horrendous condition.

As people are living longer, the numbers of people with dementia and advanced dementia are on the increase. The research that is being undertaken to improve our understanding of what can be done to reduce the risks, to slow down the progression of the condition and to find a cure is to be welcomed, as is the fact that Scotland is leading the way.

However, for now, we need to do more to ensure that appropriate care and support are available at the appropriate time. As Alzheimer Scotland points out in its briefing,

“it is right that people in the early stages of dementia are supported to live as well and independently as possible, with a focus on social and family supports, and community connections.”

As other members have done in their constituencies, I have seen that at first hand in Orkney, where the dementia hub that is hosted by Age Scotland Orkney offers a wide range of activities and therapies, as well as the chance to have a cuppa and a chat. It enables people to share experiences, companionship and, of course, gossip. Not just people with dementia but, equally importantly, their family and their carers get a tremendous amount out of the hub experience.

Dementia friendly Orkney runs a variety of events, including the dementia cafe and its famous singing group. As I know to my cost, the group is great fun, with the emphasis being on companionship. It has a song sheet that is a veritable back catalogue of numbers that participants cannot help but belt out lustily.

To mark dementia awareness week, shops and businesses in Orkney will be going purple, as will the iconic St Magnus cathedral. A busy week of events will take place, from dementia-friendly film screenings to singing, and from cream teas to purple planting. On Saturday, there will be a game of walking rugby. Gillian Skuse and Steph Stanger from Age Scotland Orkney are highly persuasive individuals, so in defiance of doctor’s orders, I will be putting on the boots. It remains to be seen whether I will be in any fit shape to take to the dance floor at the golden ball dinner at the Orkney rugby club later that evening. All of that shows the fun side of dementia awareness week, which will help to raise funds as well as awareness.

However, there is a serious message, too. As Alzheimer Scotland’s report highlights, too many people with advanced dementia are not receiving the care that they need, despite the best efforts of their families and carer staff. A lack of clarity or consistency on social care charges means that people with advanced dementia often shoulder an unfair financial burden, as others have said.

The McLeish report called for local authorities to accept and recognise that people with advanced dementia should have equality of access to free healthcare on a par with people who are living with other progressive and terminal illnesses. That is not an unreasonable ask, and I hope that the minister agrees and that the Parliament can commit to making that happen.

I again thank Richard Lyle for allowing Parliament to have the debate.