A commitment that will “significantly improve” the care of dementia patients has come into effect.
People with the disease will be cared for by a named support worker who will tailor individual treatment and help families understand it.
It is part of the government’s national dementia strategy with 300 carers working with patients from this month. The commitment is based on advice from Alzheimer Scotland who want to improve care standards.
Since November, 14 Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurses have been working in each of the country’s health boards to improve the quality of life for people with the condition, as well as their carers and families, in hospitals.
Up to 86,000 people are estimated to have dementia in Scotland, and the number is expected to double over the next 25 years, according to the Scottish Government.
Health secretary Alex Neil said: “From personal experience, I know what it means to have family members with dementia get the dignified care they deserve. Being diagnosed with dementia must be a tremendously difficult time. It also places huge strain on partners and families.
“This additional support will help people with dementia and their families and carers in adjusting to the diagnosis, navigating through the range of services available and planning for future care.”
A current patient who took part in a trial of the care programme said the commitment is “brilliant news”.
Henry Rankin, from East Renfrewshire, said he felt isolated when first diagnosed with vascular dementia and struggled to come to terms with the illness.
Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “This is a world-leading commitment.
“We are convinced that this will transform the lives of people with dementia, their partners and families, who for too long have been forced to come to terms with their diagnosis alone and unsupported.”