Helen Martin: Prisoners must not get special treatment

Prisoners with dementia should not receive a higher standard of care than the general public. Picture: PA

wE know dementia numbers are rising year by year in Scotland and that regardless of lifestyle, previous medical conditions or even age, anyone could fall victim.

Of the 90,000 suffering today, over 3000 are under 65. And though genetic markers may predict the likelihood of the condition, we still have no magic wand to prevent it.

So it’s no surprise that dementia is also rising among prisoners in Scottish jails. There are now around 150 male inmates over the age of 65. And no, it’s not that more grandpas are resorting to crime to augment their pensions, but that detection technology is improving, allowing police now to identify those responsible for historical sexual offences, murder and other crimes that carry long sentences.

Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said the Scottish Prison Service should be considering supportive facilities, not least because prison officers are not trained to deal with the needs of elderly prisoners, particularly those with dementia.

Walking home with the weekly shop could be a heavy burden. Picture: Toby Williams

And a report by the prison service concluded that it would have to work in “extensive partnership” with the NHS and councils, also suggesting the need for separate accommodation and services specifically targeted at older prisoners and those with health and disability needs.

Well, that all makes sense. Or rather it would if it didn’t amount to putting the needs of prisoners who have committed sexual or violent crime before those of innocent elderly people who have to sell their houses and assets to pay for care packages and care home fees . . . both of which the Care Inspectorate has reported are in short supply, leaving some patients unsupported for months.

Even with the government and council support available in Scotland, my mother, who was resident in a special, secure, dementia care home for seven years before she passed away, paid £2700 a month for her little, single room with no en suite, plus extras such as hairdressing, spectacles, toiletries, clothes etc, all funded from savings and the proceeds of her house.