The SNP will be asked to back a crucial “stepping stone” towards Frank’s Law at the party’s autumn conference, The Courier can reveal.
A motion has been put forward by the North East Fife branch for discussion by members in front of thousands of high-powered delegates, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, urging improvements to dementia care from the Scottish Government.
While it does not formally call for Amanda Kopel’s campaign for a fairer care system to be implemented, it is understood there was a swell of support for her cause when the issue was discussed at a local meeting.
North East Fife Constituency Branch Convener, Rhuaraidh Fleming, said: “Providing the best care, and treatment, for people living with dementia is therefore becoming increasingly vital.
“The resolution that has been put to conference has identified a few, key aspects that we would like to see included in the Scottish Government’s next national dementia strategy, particularly when it comes to home care and end of life care.
“I hope the resolution is met with a positive response at conference and that the next dementia strategy builds on the hard work already undertaken by the Scottish Government through its previous strategies.”
Mrs Kopel’s husband, Dundee United legend Frank. died in April 2014 having been diagnosed with dementia in 2009, aged just 59.
The family paid about £300 a week so he could have personal care in his Kirriemuir home because he did not reach the qualifying age for free services until weeks before his death. Mrs Kopel is urging ministers to close the loophole and The Courier is backing her bid.
More 90,000 people in Scotland are currently living with dementia, according to Alzheimer Scotland, with that likely to rise in the near future.
It is understood that Roderick Campbell, the former MSP for North East Fife who lost his seat to Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie in May’s Holyrood election, was the driving force behind the conference motion.
An SNP source said: “The motion could be seen as a stepping stone. If you get the provision of care, it is not a big leap to what Frank’s Law is proposing.”
Mrs Kopel said: “I’m absolutely delighted that they have taken this step forward.
“It is a positive step, albeit a small step.”
