Plans must ‘really deliver’ for elderly residents
ELDERLY and vulnerable people must receive more support than that laid out in the First Minister’s Programme for Government, according to a charity.
Age Scotland welcomed Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement to extend free personal care for and tackle fuel poverty yesterday, however argues that many elderly people do not access benefits they are entitled to and need better social care and financial help.
Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon vowed to implement Frank’s Law – which means people undeder the age of 65 are still entitled to per- sonal care if they have early onset dementia or other conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease.
She said:”The campaign for what has become known as Frank’s Law – named after Frank Kopel – advocates the extension of free personal care to the under 65s.
“The Scottish Government undertook to carry out a study into the feasibility of making this change.
“That study has been published today and I am pleased to announce we will now begin work to fully implement Frank’s Law.”
Charity chief Keith Robson said a “new approach” is needed to “reduce the stigma around accessing benefits”, and said the Government must ensure their plans “really delivery for Scotland’s older people”.
He said: “We know there is still much to do if we really want to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow older.
“Age Scotland released figures last week which show more than 200,000 Scots aged over 65 – one in five – are finding life a struggle financially. We urgently need more investment in our health and social care system. While initiatives such as Self-Directed Support are well-intended, too few people are aware of their options and can access this help.
“We have welcomed the fact that there will be a national strategy on tackling loneliness and isolation. Too many older people suffer from social isolation and it is vital to address this and the very real impact on their physical and mental health health.
“The Programme for Government includes steps in the right direction. Now we need to focus on ensuring it really delivers for Scotland’s older people.”