Welcome to the West Lothian section of the “ Fit for the Future” project, a joint project with IRISS and Scottish Care.
My name is Robert Telfer, I am the Development Officer for the Independent Sector in West Lothian and I am delighted to also be part of the Fit for the Future project team. My professional background has very much been in nursing, beginning my career in 1981. I became involved in care of older people in 1996 and before taking up my current post in April of this year had worked with older people in West Lothian for the previous 14 years. During that time I was aware of the changes and new challenges facing independent providers of care. These challenges are becoming more and more evident, due in part to demographic changes in our population. The chart below gives a clear indication that the increase in the number of older people in West Lothian over the next 20 years is far greater than anticipated in the rest of Scotland
Projected population, by age group, in West Lothian, 2013-2033 (General Register for Scotland (2010) Projected population figures 2013- 2033)
| Age group | 2013 | 2018 | 2023 | 2028 | 2033 | Estimated percentage rise in population West Lothian |
Estimated percentage rise in population
Scotland |
| 65-74 | 15,749 | 17,349 | 18,090 | 20,634 | 23,859 | 80% | 50% |
| 75+ | 10,709 | 13,213 | 16,626 | 19,466 | 22,062 | 150% | 80% |
Scotland’s older people are living longer and healthier lives than previously but it is well evidenced that health care and social care costs are greater in respect of those in our community over 75 and even more so for those over 85.
One challenge that we face is the anticipated increase in people suffering from dementia. The Lothian Dementia Project has projected an increase of 87% in the number of people suffering from dementia in West Lothian by 2024. This is a higher percentage increase than projected in our neighbouring counties, for example East Lothian has a projection of 49%, Mid Lothian 51%.
This is a time of challenge for all of us who provide services and care for Scotland’s Older People which makes me particularly pleased to be part of this project which will actively involve independent providers in seeking and developing new tools and strategies to deliver high quality care and cope with the challenges we face.
If you are interested in finding out more about the project or taking part in West Lothian, please access the ‘Contact Us’ tab.