Parliament Workbench

Petition · PE01480 · Session 4

Alzheimer's and dementia awareness

Closed Submitted 5 May 2013 Health
Signatures
0
1,119 online signatures with a country
Comments
204
Considered
21 meetings
in the Official Report

What it asks

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the daily issues suffered by people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to ensure that free personal care is made available for all sufferers of this illness regardless of age.

What the petitioner did first

We sent a letter to the First Minister highlighting our case and received a reply. The response received stated that they cannot comment or intervene in individual cases.
We have written to the DWP requesting DLA. Eventually Mr Kopel won his appeal and was granted full DLA.
We have actively contacted and spoken to experts from the NHS and they have actively encouraged this campaign.
We have spoken to MSP Graham Dey. Mr Dey has been in contact and has said he would take up any complaint about the NHS the campaign had. He also sent out a complaint form. However, we feel that this can take place after we submit this appeal.
We have recently set up “The Frank Kopel Alzheimer's Awareness Campaign” on Facebook. This gives people the opportunity to show their support for the campaign and leave and highlight their own personal stories:
https://www.facebook.com/frankkopelalzheimers?filter=2
Supporters of our campaign include ITV’s Lorraine Kelly and Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross, Dundee United Football Club and other clubs, personalities, players and members of the public throughout the UK have shown their support.
Media coverage including The Sun and The Courier & Advertiser.

Where it was considered

Official Report
  1. 17 Sep 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    New Petitions
    1 mention
  2. 26 Nov 2013
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  3. 28 Jan 2014
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  4. 1 Apr 2014
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  5. 17 Jun 2014
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  6. 28 Oct 2014
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  7. 13 Jan 2015
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  8. 17 Mar 2015
    Public Petitions Committee
    Current Petitions
    1 mention
  9. 26 May 2015
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  10. 6 Oct 2015
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    2 mentions
  11. 8 Dec 2015
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  12. 9 Feb 2016
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  13. 1 Mar 2016
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  14. 30 Jun 2016
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  15. 29 Sep 2016
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  16. 22 Dec 2016
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  17. 16 Mar 2017
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    2 mentions
  18. 25 May 2017
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  19. 9 Nov 2017
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  20. 29 Mar 2018
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    1 mention
  21. 28 Jun 2018
    Public Petitions Committee
    Continued Petitions
    3 mentions

Signatures by country

1,119 online signatures
  1. Scotland966 86.3%
  2. United Kingdom91 8.1%
  3. England40 3.6%
  4. United States5 0.4%
  5. Australia3 0.3%
  6. Ireland3 0.3%
  7. Northern Ireland2 0.2%
  8. Wales2 0.2%
  9. New Zealand1 0.1%
  10. Oman1 0.1%
  11. 5 other countries5 0.4%

Comments

204 comments, oldest first
204 comments · showing 1–50
  1. Pat Kelly 11 May 2013
    This is a terrible illness and seems wrong that a person with the same illness cannot receive free care because of age. Why should a person aged 63 year with dementia have to pay for care yet someone at 65 gets free care? That is blatant age discrimination. We need to change this NOW!
    Good luck Frank, Amanda and Scott.
  2. Lynne Kelly 11 May 2013
    All the best for the campaign Frank, Amanda and Scott we are all thinking of you! Good luck with the fight!
  3. Pat Kelly 11 May 2013
    Frank Kopel would receive free care for his illness but because he is only 63 this has been refused! This is blatant discrimination. Why should people with the same illness be treated differently because of age? Please sign the petition.
  4. IAN GRANT 11 May 2013
    THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REALLY HAS TO LOOK AGAIN AT THIS. AGE SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE.
  5. Edith Mason 11 May 2013
    Wishing you all the best xxx
  6. Derek Doig 11 May 2013
    Alzheimer's and dementia care must be free to all regardless of age
  7. Brian Dunbar 11 May 2013
    In today's society this is scandalous.Considering all the money that is spent on drug addicts etc.
  8. Dave Webster 11 May 2013
    Had the priveledge of knowing Frank when he used to hand out my kids team player of year trophies. Great guy, and though I'm a Dundee fan I hope he gets the treatment he deserves. A true gentleman.
  9. grant anderson 11 May 2013
    get this sorted out
  10. Karen Gray 11 May 2013
    What does it say about our country that we have to sign petitions to get people the care they need and deserve, Frankie Kopel- yer a legend
  11. Karen Smith 12 May 2013
    An issue close to my heart as my mother in law is suffering with this..
  12. Dave Still 12 May 2013
    Disgraceful treatment of anyone ! This is a condition that is becoming more prevailent yet the government want to stick their heads in the sand.
  13. Ian Ritchie 12 May 2013
    Best of luck in changing their decision !
  14. Anne Baird 12 May 2013
    Have had the pleasure of knowing Amanda and Frank for many years and they really are wonderful couple, the devotion Amanda has for Frank is amazing
  15. Michael Wells 13 May 2013
    Illness is no respecter of age.
    Simply make the change.
    Good luck and best wishes in your fight for justice
  16. Barbara Sherriff 13 May 2013
    A very worthy cause which I am proud to support
  17. John Sherriff 13 May 2013
    This should not be necessary , provision for people of ALL ages should already be in place
  18. Claire Smith 13 May 2013
    Good luck with your campaign. I simply cannot believe that a person with the same illness is treated differently. This is discrimination and must be stopped NOW!
  19. Ian Roache 13 May 2013
    Best wishes with the campaign. Signed.
  20. Susan Elliott 14 May 2013
    It is so unfair how age differentiates what care is provided. Is this not age discrimination?
  21. Ian Duff 14 May 2013
    Keep up the good work
  22. Victoria Robertson 14 May 2013
    An extremely well deserving case.
  23. Audrey Ireland 14 May 2013
    Good luck amanda, hope you get this sorted for you and frankies sake. You are such an anazing lady!! This should already be happening thoughout no matter what age you are! You go girl!! Xx
  24. Ashley baillie 14 May 2013
    Signed, good luck
  25. Karen Bennett 14 May 2013
    This is a disease, people who suffer from it should have the full support of the NHS no matter what their age.
  26. Kerry Thomson 14 May 2013
    I have a relative with this disease. It's so sad to watch someone you love who has had such a fulfilling life, lose touch with those around them through the erosion of their memories and thought processes. Everyone should be entitles to the same level of care regardless of their age. I hope your campaign is successful. x
  27. Lyndsay Allan 14 May 2013
    I hope this works good luck
  28. Sheila Anderson 14 May 2013
    Help should be given free of charge regardless of age.
  29. Louise Johnstone 14 May 2013
    I am district nurse and have regular contact with people with alzheimer's and their carers. Life is difficult enough without having to worry about financal concerns,age doesn't come into it, I think your campaign is very worthy and wish you all the best, stay strong.
  30. Brian Laing 14 May 2013
    Should be free of charge regardless of age
  31. Bill Forrest 14 May 2013
    We are aware of the problems and stress that alzheimers brings regardless of age and how life changing it is for everybody involved with the sufferer.This is a very worthy cause.
  32. Mark Grant 14 May 2013
    With you on this one Amanda.
  33. lynne douglas 14 May 2013
    hope this is successful
  34. Paula 14 May 2013
    Hope This helps! xXx
  35. Gordon Ellis 14 May 2013
    My father has vascular dementia and is now in residential care. He remained at home until aged 87 down to home based personal care. In terms of the Adults with Incapacity legislation, the Scottish Government have a responsibility to ensure that individuals are allowed to lead as fulfilling a personal life as they can, regardless of age. That must begin at home with free personal care.
  36. Pat McIntosh 14 May 2013
    Brought tears to my eyes. I admire your strength and love for each other. I wish you well with this.
  37. Amanda Mcrae 14 May 2013
    I wish you all the best with this petition I hope you get a positive outcome from it.
  38. tracy mccabe 14 May 2013
    Had Amanda at our college today giving us a talk about life with frank very inspiring lady totally agree what does it matter what age you are everyone should be able to get help their needed
  39. Leigh Clark 14 May 2013
    Wishing you all my luck x
  40. Vivienne Cook 14 May 2013
    Surely people and families affected by this horrific illness need all the support they can get. Good luck with the campaign....x
  41. Rhona White 14 May 2013
    My mum died five years ago from alzheimers the amount of care she needed and got was so good but it should be for available for suffers of any age I admire your fight Amanda and hope you achieve your goal. Best wishes to you and your family
  42. MarieCurr 14 May 2013
    My thoughts go to you and your family x
  43. Margaret Cruickshank 14 May 2013
    There are so many sufferers of Alzheimer's or dementia, raising awareness of this issue is such a worthwhile cause , good luck
  44. michelle bolt 14 May 2013
    my mother was diagnosed at 52,8 years ago, i'm with you as she also had to pay before going into care,discriminated due to age,this disease is life changing for all age should not come into it,
  45. Vivienne Cook 14 May 2013
    Its difficult enough for all who are affected by this horrific illness...about time something is done....all care should be free...Good luck ..x
  46. Lorraine Malloy 14 May 2013
    Alzheimers affects people of all ages and as such, everyone should be entitled to the same benefits and treatment. Life is difficult enough for them.
  47. Nicola 14 May 2013
    I lost my mum to early onset Alzheimer's. We had to fight for every minute of care she had due to her age, thank you so much for raising this issue, but I'm so sorry you need to
  48. Donna Clark 14 May 2013
    i was deaply moved today , thankyou
  49. Sheila Galbraith 14 May 2013
    Free personal care should relate to the condition, not the age, of the sufferer.
  50. ainslie clelland 14 May 2013
    Things can only improve....surely.