Scotland's dementia strategies and policy have supported the rights-based approach to dementia. The Scottish Government has produced three national dementia strategies in total that were underpinned by a human rights approach and informed by the Charter of Rights for People with Dementia and their Carers in Scotland (2009). The Charter of rights reflects protection laws that already exist in Scotland. The latest (third) strategy (2017-2020) consists of 21 commitments and focuses on major areas such as diagnosis rates, post-diagnostic support and integrated home care and palliative care.
The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland was published in 2011 as part of the action to support the Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy. The standards set out action plan to improve dementia care and it relates to people diagnosed with dementia in Scotland, regardless of where they live, their age, the supports they receive or the severity of their illness. The standards apply to people living in their own homes, care homes or hospitals, especially general hospitals.
The Charter of rights for people with dementia and their carers in Scotland in 2009 was created to ensure people with dementia and their carers (family members and friends) have the same human rights as every other citizen. It also reflects existing supporting legislations relating to dementia in Scotland (see section 3). The charter covers the standards already set by the United Nations and other international instruments ((known as the “PANEL” approach, endorsed by the United Nations):
Key legislation and resources: