An isolated issue: Parties’ pledge on loneliness
Scotland’s political parties have vowed to help the elderly overcome loneliness and isolation after a year of lockdown and separation. The Scottish Lib Dems have pledged to give relatives of care home residents “essential caregiver” status in future public health emergencies. It would mean the elderly would not be cut off from loved ones during another pandemic. The Scottish Government faced criticism from families for not doing enough to enable care home visits during the Covid19 pandemic. Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: “Time spent with loved ones is precious. Even just sitting alongside someone or having a brief blether lets them know that they are loved and that they are valued.
“From the disastrous decision to move patients into care homes even after they had tested positive, to impossibly slow and strict
visiting conditions, older people and their families have not been treated well during the pandemic. “This new right will ensure families can’t be separated in this way again.” Scottish Labour will pledge a commissioner to look after older people in a manifesto to be unveiled on Tuesday.
Other parts of the UK have a dedicated commissioner for the elderly but there is no post in Scotland. Scottish Labour’s manifesto will say: “Older people make a massive contribution to our communities, and we will establish a Commissioner for Older People to reflect their needs in policy and help combat ageism.” Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “I know how hard this pandemic has been for families across the country. It has been especially difficult for older people, who have been separated from loved ones, asked to remain in isolation and among the most vulnerable to the virus.
“As we come out of this terrible year, we must remember the sacrifices people have made, learn lessons of what has gone wrong and vow to build a brighter future for our country. That must mean building a brighter future for our older generation and address the injustices ignored for too long.” The Scottish Conservatives will call for tougher sentences for criminals who target vulnerable people like the elderly in their manifesto published tomorrow. They want age to be added to other statutory aggravations. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr: “During the pandemic, we have seen criminals specifically targeting older people, with cases of fraud skyrocketing. It is a deliberate manipulation of the health emergency and must be punished severely. The SNP has had numerous opportunities to introduce a statutory aggravator but have failed to do so.”
The SNP has promised £10 million over five years to reconnect people and reduce loneliness. Christina Mckelvie, SNP candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said: “So many of us have had to embrace technology – family Zoom quizzes and Facetime get-togethers with friends – to keep in touch so we know first-hand that digital solutions have the power to make a substantial difference. “That means outreach programmes to educate our older generations so they have the skills and understanding of how digital technology can provide an open window into a wider world of companionship.”
The SNP has also promised to take forward plans for “20-minute neighbourhoods”, where people can meet their daily needs within a 20-minute walk. The Scottish Greens have pledged social housing for older people “embedded in local communities, with an emphasis on co-housing and multigenerational developments”. They would also develop a national strategy to support older people to participate in sport.