“Around 90,000 people in Scotland are living with dementia today, with numbers expected to rise sharply as the population ages.” — Alzheimer Scotland, 2025
Are you or a loved one navigating the challenges of dementia and seeking reliable support services in Scotland?
What types of dementia support are available, and how can they help improve quality of life?
How does Complete Homecare 24 tailor dementia care to meet the unique needs of individuals and families?
What You’ll Learn
- The different types and symptoms of dementia are commonly seen in Scotland
- The emotional and practical impact of dementia on individuals and families
- An overview of government initiatives and community-based dementia support services
- Types of dementia care available, from home care to residential options
- Challenges within the current dementia care landscape and how to navigate them
Introduction
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. In Scotland, approximately 90,000 people live with dementia, including around 3,000 under the age of 65, and this number is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades due to demographic changes.
This condition profoundly affects not only those diagnosed but also their families and caregivers, who often face emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Accessible, person-centred support services are essential to help individuals with dementia maintain independence and dignity while providing families with the assistance they need.
This comprehensive guide explores the current landscape of dementia support services in Scotland, highlighting key resources, government initiatives, and practical care options designed to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Understanding Dementia: Definition and Types
Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of progressive neurological conditions characterised by cognitive decline. This decline affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Understanding the different types of dementia is crucial for tailoring support and care to meet individual needs effectively.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all cases. It primarily causes memory loss, difficulties with language, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience changes in mood and behaviour.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or other vascular conditions. It affects reasoning, judgment, and planning abilities. Symptoms can appear suddenly following a stroke or develop gradually over time.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is characterised by visual hallucinations, fluctuating levels of attention and alertness, and movement difficulties similar to Parkinson’s disease. It can also cause sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to significant changes in personality, behaviour, and language skills. It often occurs at a younger age compared to other dementias.
Recognising these types of dementia enables healthcare professionals and carers to provide personalised support, improving quality of life and managing symptoms more effectively.
Symptoms and Progression
Early symptoms of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion about time or place, and changes in mood or personality. These initial signs may be subtle but tend to worsen over time.
As dementia progresses, individuals may experience:
- Loss of communication abilities, making it difficult to express needs or understand others
- Inability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, or managing finances
- Significant personality changes, including increased agitation, withdrawal, or mood swings
Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial, as it enables timely intervention and access to support services that can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Impact on Individuals and Families
Dementia affects not only the individual diagnosed but also their entire family. Caregivers often face considerable emotional and physical challenges, including:
- Emotional stress and feelings of overwhelm due to the demands of caregiving
- Psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout
- Social isolation, as caregiving responsibilities can limit time for social activities and personal well-being
Understanding these impacts highlights the vital importance of comprehensive support services that address both the needs of the person living with dementia and those of their caregivers.
Dementia Support Services in Scotland
Government Initiatives
The Scottish Government’s Everyone’s Story dementia strategy sets out a positive, shared vision for dementia care over the next ten years. Launched in 2023, this strategy focuses on improving post-diagnostic support and enhancing community engagement for people living with dementia, their families, and carers. It aims to increase access to personalised care, close gaps in service provision, and embed empowerment, inclusivity, and citizenship throughout all stages of dementia care
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dementia and COVID-19 National Action Plan was introduced to enhance respite care, community services, and mental health support for unpaid carers. This plan addresses the increased pressures on carers and ensures continuity of vital services during and after the pandemic.
Community-Based Services
- Meeting Centres: These social hubs provide activities and opportunities for interaction tailored to people with dementia, helping to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing.
- Dementia-Friendly Communities: Initiatives across Scotland aim to create supportive environments where people with dementia can live safely and participate fully in community life.
- Peer Support Networks: Groups offering emotional support and shared experiences for both carers and individuals living with dementia.
Dementia Helpline
Alzheimer Scotland operates a 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000), providing information, emotional support, and advice on care options. This service is a vital resource for families and individuals seeking guidance and reassurance.
Care Services
- Home Care: Personalised assistance with daily living tasks enables people with dementia to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, maintaining independence and comfort.
- Daycare: Structured programmes offer social and cognitive stimulation, providing engagement and respite for carers.
- Respite Care: Short-term care placements give carers temporary relief, helping to prevent burnout and maintain their wellbeing.
- Residential Care: Specialist dementia care homes provide comprehensive support for individuals with advanced needs, although challenges remain regarding quality and staffing in some areas.
Challenges in Dementia Care
Systemic Issues
Dementia care in Scotland continues to face significant systemic challenges. The landscape is often fragmented, with many services operating independently and without a coordinated strategy. This lack of integration can result in gaps in care provision, inconsistencies in service quality, and an emphasis on financial considerations over the individual needs of people living with dementia and their families. Such fragmentation makes navigating the care system complex and can leave families feeling unsupported.
Financial Considerations
The financial burden of dementia care is another major challenge. Residential dementia care in Scotland can cost, on average, around £1,600 per week, a substantial expense for many families. Moreover, there is often limited awareness about available financial support options or the full extent of potential liabilities. This uncertainty can add to the stress and anxiety experienced by carers and families trying to plan for long-term care needs.
Conclusion
Navigating dementia care in Scotland requires access to comprehensive, coordinated support services that address both the needs of individuals living with dementia and their families. While challenges such as systemic fragmentation and financial pressures persist, ongoing government initiatives and community resources continue to provide vital assistance.
If you or a loved one requires personalised dementia support, Complete Homecare 24 is here to help. Our dedicated team offers tailored homecare solutions designed to meet your unique needs with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
Expert Dementia Care Support Tailored to You – Contact Complete Homecare 24 Today
Navigating dementia care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Complete Homecare 24, we specialise in providing compassionate, personalised homecare services across Scotland and Northern Ireland, designed to support both individuals living with dementia and their families.
Whether you need expert home care, respite for carers, or guidance on managing dementia’s challenges, our experienced team is here to help every step of the way. We combine professional expertise with genuine compassion to ensure your loved one receives the dignity and care they deserve.
Take the first step towards peace of mind:
- Call us now on 02838 562190 for a free, no-obligation consultation
- Email info@completehomecare24.com to discuss your specific care needs
- Visit our website to explore our tailored dementia care services
Don’t wait — compassionate, expert dementia care is just a phone call away. Let Complete Homecare 24 be your trusted partner in this journey.
