"Support for Alzheimer care"

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers early last year. She had 3 months of post-diagnostic monthly visits from the Local Community Psychiatric Nurse, who was very good, and gave me lots of information on benefits available to my mother. After 3 months, because mum wasn't keen on taking Alzheimers medication, her care was handed over to Alzheimers Scotland, who were supposed to give mum 12 months Alzheimers post-diagnostic support, an initiative promised by the Scottish Government. I contacted them, and was told I am on a waiting list for a support person, and they would contact mum and myself when a worker became available, as they had no-one available and there was a waiting list. However, if I wanted to 'purchase' support I could do so immediately for approx £16 an hour from Alzheimers Scotland, which would cover someone under the coming in to have a cup of tea with mum, do her shopping etc. My mother has had no further contact from Alzheimers Scotland, and I am appalled that they can just 'forget' about her.

My mother is house-bound and enjoys her own company, but can't go to daycare, doesn't want coffee mornings 3 miles away, doesn't want bingo or social outings. What she needed was the initial 12 months support so that she, as well as us, could feel supported through this period by the NHS/Alzheimers Scotland.

I have to say however, that Clackmannanshire Social Services and ILS/Mears have been incredibly supportive and are a real tower of strength to me when I needed their help to ensure mum could stay at home, where she wants to remain as long as possible. Social Services Older Peoples Support staff are fantastic, and a support worker works with me every step of the way to try to give mum the support she needs. When I have queried why Alzheimers Scotland aren't giving the 12 months promised post-diagnostic support, I am told this is quite normal and they don't have the staff to do it. Very disappointing.