Dementia service changes in Angus have prompted fears of a “traumatic” transition for the vulnerable elderly.
Monday saw the transfer of day care services for dementia sufferers from Seaton Grove in Arbroath to Montrose, in a move Angus Council has said will improve services for those affected and give best value to the authority.
However, the daughter of one local octogenarian has expressed concern over the handling of the service transfer and the potential impact on her father’s wellbeing.
Elaine Taylor’s 86-year-old father, James Mackie, was diagnosed with vascular dementia shortly after his wife died three years ago.
Mr Mackie, of Arbroath, is cared for by his daughter during the week but has been using the day care facilities at the town’s Seaton Grove Care Home on Mondays until being told of the Montrose move.
She said she is extremely concerned at the potential impact of the upheaval and what she described as a complete lack of consultation.
Mrs Taylor said: “It took us such a long time to get him settled after my mother passed away.
“He really enjoys going to Seaton Grove on a Monday and any change for a dementia patient can be quite traumatic.”
Mrs Taylor said she is extremely upset that the Arbroath facility can no longer care for its most vulnerable service users.
She is also very unhappy with the length of the journey by bus to Montrose which she feels may unsettle her father.
Mrs Taylor added: “My main concern is for the welfare of my father. He does enjoy day care and while he can, I feel it is of benefit to him to mix with society and be stimulated with other people for as long as possible.
“Having aired my deep concerns I have decided to allow my father to go to the new day care centre at Provost Johnston Road in Montrose on a Monday.
“However, I will be monitoring this very carefully. Staff assure me they will be doing the same.”
Angus MSP Graeme Dey has been in contact with Angus Council on Mrs Taylor’s behalf and was told that the move to Montrose was in part due to Scottish Government “cutbacks.”
Mr Dey said: “This is false. Over 2014-15 the Scottish Government actually increased Angus Council’s budget to more than £193m.”
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said: “The council is not shutting Seaton Grove, but is transferring the day care services for people with dementia from there to Provost Johnston Road in Montrose.
“Provost Johnston Road is a purpose-built facility for people with dementia, and was found to offer an ‘excellent’ environment in a recent Care Inspectorate report.
“Anyone who still has concerns is asked to contact the council so that we can work with them and alleviate any continuing concerns about the change.”