Fresh calls have been made for the Scottish Government to end the 'healthcare tax' incurred on people with advanced dementia. A major new report published today by Alzheimer Scotland found that many Scots "wrongly" believe that elderly care is free. "This is simply not true," said the charity.
"Many people – particularly those with advanced dementia – face care bills of thousands of pounds each week that would be free if they had any other terminal illness." The government contributes £248.70 a week for personal care and £111.
90 a week for nursing care. Care home fees in Scotland for self-funded residents range from £1160 to £1410 per week. The report reveals a "fragmented, crisis-prone" system that is failing to meet the long-term care needs of people with advanced dementia.
The number of people aged over 65 with the disease in Scotland is predicted to increase by 50% in the next 20 years. Alzheimer Scotland says people with advanced dementia should not have to pay for healthcare The report warns that a lack of national and local strategic commissioning and planning has left the residential care home system largely in the hands of the open market. As financial pressures build, provision in many areas is now at risk of collapse.
Alzheimer Scotland say the current approach also stifles the development of innovative community-based long-term care models, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that does not cater to the diverse needs or wishes of people with dementia. Henr.
