Housing must be reflected in the national dementia strategy

The Scottish Government’s national conversation on dementia, launched to inform a review of the national dementia strategy 2017-2022, drew to a close on 5 December. The consultation encouraged everyone with an interest in dementia to share their experience of how the Scottish Government can support people to live well with dementia.

Responding to the consultation, CIH Scotland highlighted the contribution that the housing sector makes in supporting people living with dementia, including staff training and awareness raising, incorporating dementia friendly design into new developments and providing aids and adaptations to existing homes.

However, the response also pointed out that support is not consistent across different organisations or across housing tenures. The housing sector needs clear leadership and resources in order to improve housing outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland said:

“Living well with dementia starts with the right housing and support. The housing sector is key to delivering the Scottish Government’s commitment to support people to live independently at home, or in a homely setting, for as long as possible, and it is essential that the role of housing is reflected in the new national dementia strategy.

“Our research and recent work with the National Housing and Dementia Forum sets out clear recommendations for what is needed to improve housing outcomes for people living with dementia. The housing sector must be recognised as a key partner and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to implement the new national dementia strategy.”

You can read the full CIH Scotland response here.