WENDY DEMANDS DIGNITY AND FAIRNESS FOR ELDERLY

Local Labour MSP Wendy Alexander has demanded dignity and fairness for the 3400 elderly residents living in Renfrewshire with dementia.

Speaking as she signed a Charter of Rights for people with Dementia and their carers, she said the SNP Government are not doing enough for Scotland’s elderly.

The number of people in Renfrewshire with dementia is expected to increase by 75 per cent over the next two decades and over 3400 people are likely to be affected.
The Paisley North MSP says there is an urgent need to ensure that they receive appropriate levels of support and care.

The UK Government’s Dementia Strategy was introduced in February and is supported by £150 million for specialist care staff to support people with dementia from diagnosis to end of life. Wendy is calling on Scottish ministers to match this commitment.

Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“Approximately 3400 families in Renfrewshire who are affected in some way by this tragic condition. This is a vitally important issue and I am personally committed to ensuring that our senior citizens have dignity and fairness in their later years.

“We know that the number of people suffering from dementia will grow as we all live longer. I am calling on the Scottish Government to stop dithering and match the commitment of the UK Labour Government, which has backed its policies in England with additional resources to employ specialist advisers and care staff.”