MCMILLAN HOSTS PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION ON TRANFORMING THE LIVES OF OLDER PEOPLE

Stuart McMillan, MSP for West Scotland, hosted a reception in the Scottish Parliament on Transforming the Lives of Older People, during Dementia Awareness Week, attended by a number of key groups and individuals interested in the area.

Stuart McMillan MSP said:

“I was delighted to sponsor this event and was very pleased with the level of discussion that took place with a number of key players in the area, such as the Joint Improvement Team (JIT), NHS 24, Alzheimer Scotland and The ALLIANCE.

“Older people are not a burden yet they are often unfairly portrayed as such in the media and popular culture. As in many other areas these unfounded stereotypes can adversely affect the way some people are treated, and therefore must be challenged everywhere they are found.

“It is a sign of a successful nation that more of us are living longer than before and Scotland's population is continuing to age. Over the next twenty years the number of people who are over sixty will increase by 50% so changes have to be made to ensure that services are provided to the high standard that we value in Scotland.

“An aging population means that more of us will experience dementia, but with proper care there is no reason why we cannot live independently, in our own homes for longer. I am optimistic that with the Scottish Government’s Programme of Change in place Scotland can lead the way in service provision and enable people to enjoy the happy and productive retirements they deserve.”

Notes:

Picture is of Stuart McMillan MSP, Dr Margaret Whoriskey, of the JIT, and Irene Oldfather, of The ALLIANCE.

Link to the Scottish Government’s Reshaping Care for Older People – A Programme for Change 2011 – 2021:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00398295.pdf

Link to JIT website:

http://www.jitscotland.org.uk/action-areas/reshaping-care-for-older-people/