East Lothian's Dementia Strategy
With rates of dementia among our ageing population expected to increase significantly over the next 25 years, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has developed a dedicated dementia strategy providing a clear strategic framework to improve the offer and provision of dementia services across East Lothian in line with local need.
Supporting the East Lothian Integrated Joint Board’s strategic objectives, the five-year dementia strategy 2023-2028, has been developed using a human rights-based approach to ensure that the rights of people with dementia remain at the centre of the provision of services.
The key outcomes in the strategy have been taken from work done by the Life Changes Trust which were developed by people living with dementia and their carers; and are based on what was most important to them. These include:
- I get the help I need when I need it,
- I am empowered to do the things that are important to me,
- I am able to be as independent as possible,
- I live in a place that suits me and my needs,
- I feel safe, listened to, valued and respected.
People living with dementia and their carers want to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. To enjoy daily life, activities and connections as we all do, and for their worth and value as individuals to be recognised and supported at each step of the dementia journey. The ELHSCP dementia strategy is a commitment to enable this to happen.
The strategy sets out the needs and intended actions to help support people living with dementia and their families covering information provision, diagnosis and post diagnostic support, dedicated support for carers, expanding community connections, maintaining independence, transport, housing, staying safe and understood as well as care services and end-of-life care.
Download the East Lothian Dementia Strategy 2023-2028 (PDF)
While developing this strategy, ELHSCP collated an extensive technical report, combining a wide range of national and local data to develop a picture of current and projected trends of dementia within East Lothian.
In 2022, East Lothian had an estimated 2104 people with dementia, which is projected to rise to 3531 by 2040 (a 68% increase). Of those diagnosed in 2022, 49% were aged between 75-84, with 58% living in the West of the county, and 42% in the East. Statistics also indicated that, in line with national trends, there is a higher prevalence of dementia in women, than in men.
The data, evidence and engagement feedback contained within the technical report enables ELHSCP to provide targeted support where there is greatest need, and the areas that people living with Dementia in East Lothian want to be improved.