People living with dementia and their carers will have
increased access to respite and community services and
post-diagnostic care under new plans published by the Scottish
government.
The Dementia and COVID-19 National Action Plan outlines steps to
build on the action taken since March to ease the impact that the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on people with dementia
and carers.
Unpaid carers of loved ones with dementia will have access to
Scottish Government-funded NHS mental health services and
counselling support available through Alzheimer Scotland.
As well as continuing to support frontline services and staff,
dementia care will be enhanced in acute and associated care
settings through a further Dementia Champions Programme.
This plan complements and supports priority support to the care
home sector during the pandemic.
Mental Health Minister said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people
with dementia and their carers, who have had to cope with the
necessary suspension of many normal services – not to mention the
emotional consequences caused by the necessary restrictions to
visiting loved ones in care homes.
“During engagement on the development of this recovery plan, we
have listened to individual experiences including those of
declining physical and mental health, social isolation and the
impact of delayed referrals into post-diagnostic services during
the course of the pandemic.
“While we are hopeful that the direct impact of the pandemic will
recede next year, individuals and families may continue to
experience additional issues associated with its impact and
legacy.
“This plan sets out our co-ordinated response to those issues and
how we will work together to support people in the months and
years ahead.”
COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Stuart Currie said:
“During the pandemic the way a number local authority,
independent and third sector services work has had to change,
such as moving to telephone and digital provision.
“Some of these services may continue to provide support, but we
also want to see the return of place-based and face-to-face
support services and the opportunity for people to use their
community facilities. We are committed to working in partnership
to get things right for people with dementia, their families and
carers.”
Background
The Dementia and COVID-19
National Action Plan.
The plan aims to strengthen the resilience of communities across
Scotland to recover through the complementary action of the NHS,
local authorities and the third sector. It is a direct response
to the more than 100 organisations or individuals - including
people who live with or support people living with dementia – who
offered their views, experiences and responses over the course of
the pandemic.
We will continue to engage with participants from the engagement
process, to help monitor and review the implementation and impact
of this plan at 6 and 12 months. A national governance group
including COSLA and representatives from health and social care
partnerships will be established to oversee governance and
reporting on the plan.
