Getting old

October 12th, 2009

Try as we might, we can’t hold back the march of time and old age comes to us all.

The idyllic lifestyle we all dream of for our retirement is rarely the reality as it brings with it a whole range of new challenges, whether it be managing your pension or procuring the right care services to allow you to stay at home.

We know people are living longer so it stands to reason that these challenges faced by older people are becoming greater.

So I am glad that older people are becoming increasingly empowered to exercise their rights and demand the services they need.

Unfortunately, not everyone is in a position to do that and that is why I signed up recently to a charter of rights for people with dementia.

There is no doubt that dementia affects people’s capacity to make decisions about their everyday lives, including their money, health and welfare, and it can gradually erode their ability to communicate, reason and act in their own interests.

But that doesn’t mean their dignity should be compromised and I believe all elderly people should be treated with fairness and respect.

Sadly, that is not always happening as anyone who is aware of the recent homecare scandal captured by Panorama will know.

In this programme, we saw at-home care packages hired out to private companies for such small sums that standards were seriously compromised.

As a result, the programme makers uncovered examples of practice that fell well short of what we expect for older members of our families.

I led the Scottish Parliament inquiry that investigated and brought about changes to help put an end to this practice.

But it is clear there is an urgent need to ensure that people with dementia receive appropriate levels of support and care.

I believe this charter will empower people with dementia and those who support them to ensure their rights are recognised and respected. If you do too, sign up at http://www.dementiarights.org/support-the-charter/