Recently, I have been looking back at my days of campaigning. I have always wanted to help people, and I started out by campaigning on environmental issues. I lived a carbon free life style; no car, cycling etc. I even became a board member of an international environmental charity. My paid work was as a debt advice worker at Citizens Advice. Obviously, I made friends whom I kept in contact with, even after I became disillusioned with environmentalism (helping the future, which can never be guaranteed, whilst penalising the less well off of today).

However, when I was diagnosed with Dementia, guess which friends I have never heard from again? That’s right, the so called “right on” environmentalists. I can’t judge as, like most of us, I have left friends behind too, especially when I move home.

But, and it is a huge but; on my dementia journey I have met many lovely and inspiring people, as well as people that have made me want to campaign because they have not fully understood.

Franks law is unique to Scotland, because of it under 65’s with a long term condition are entitled to free personal care. It came about because Amanda Kopel, wife Of Frank who had dementia and had played for Dundee, campaigned tirelessly as she thought it unfair that over 65’s got free pc whilst those under didn’t. Sadly, her Frank died soon after his 65th birthday.

It came into force this April, however (this is from my personal experiences and hearsay from others), it is not working as it should. Prime example, (I have just checked the website), Aberdeenshire Council’s charging policy explicitly states that free personal care is only for those over 65, and that is this years policy, councils have known about Franks law for a long time.

Also, when my wife asked for care she was told that as “a good wife” it was her job to care for me. Others have told me that their council has read to them the old marriage vows “in sickness and in health”. Another way that it is not granted is very tight definitions of personal care. Ensuring medication is taken and proper eating is explicitly mentioned in the guidance, however it is my belief that our council only offers 30 minute time slots in rural locations. If my wife is away, someone needs to check I have eaten properly and taken my medication, however because that would take less than 30 minutes I am not eligible.