Bill Alexander, 74, is a full time carer for his wife Christine, 72, who has Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. She was diagnosed in 2019, just before the Covid pandemic. The couple, who have been married for 54 years, live at home in Larbert and have two children and five grandchildren. They have family close by who offer support.
Bill said: “We are coming to terms with the impact dementia is having on both our lives, and those of our family.
“We are passionate about sharing our experience of living with dementia, and the experience of others who are in the same position as ourselves. It has been a privilege to be a member of the Long Term Care Commission.
“Yes, we’re both living in our own home for now, but in 2021 I had a heart attack and of course I worry about what will happen to Christine if I’m no longer fit enough to look after her.
“We want a future where we have choices in what our long term care looks like. We’ve hardly been apart in over 50 years and want to stay together as a couple and get the support we’ll both need. We want to maintain our identity and our relationship.
“The worry for me is a future where the only option is a care home. It is simply wrong that there is no national plan for people like Christine and me. I urge the Scottish Government to listen to the voice, hopes and wishes of people living with dementia and their families. Put yourselves in our shoes – would you want only one option for your parents, your family? Would you want this for your own long term care?
“Added to this is the unfairness that some people with dementia have to pay for that care, when the harsh reality is it would be free if they had any other terminal illness. This must change.”