Dementia Rights

The following organisations can offer advice to anyone who believes that their rights have not been observed.

Care Commission

Address: Headquarters: Compass House, 11 Riverside Drive , Dundee DD1 2NY ; plus regional offices across Scotland .

Telephone: 01382 207100, 0845 603 0890 (local rate);

Website: www.carecommission.com;

The Care Commission regulates care services and oversees standards of care. It registers and inspects all care homes

Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland

Address: The Optima building, 58 Roberston Street , Glasgow G2 8GU

Telephone: 0141 228 5910 (non helpline calls only)
Fax: 0141 228 5912

Email: Scotland@equalityhumanrights.com

Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com

The Equality and Human Rights Commission have a helpline which can give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The helpline can be contacted on:

Telephone: 0845 604 5510
Textphone: 0845 604 5520

Fax: 0845 604 5530

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Address: Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh , EH12 5HE

Telephone: 0131 313 8777 or 0800 389 6809.

Textphone: 18001 0800 389 6809

Fax: 0131 313 8778

Email: enquiries@mwcscot.org.uk

Website: www.mwcscot.org.uk

Advice line: 0800 389 6809

The Mental Welfare Commission can provide information or advice about the rights of people in relation to mental health care and treatment. They can also investigate where there are concerns about the rights and welfare of an individual.

Scottish Public Service Ombudsman (SPSO)

Address: 4 Melville Street , Edinburgh , EH3 7NS .

Telephone: 0800 377 7330

Fax: 0800 377 7331

Text: 0790 049 4372

Website: www.spso.org.uk

Email: ask@spso.org.uk

The SPSO investigates complaints about service failure or maladministration by most organisations providing public services in Scotland including councils, the National Health Service, housing associations and the Scottish Government and its agencies and departments. Complaints can only be made once an organisation’s complaints procedures have been exhausted.

You can make an enquiry or complaint by visiting the SPSO offices or by telephone, fax, text or email, or in writing to: SPSO Freepost EH641 Edinburgh EH3 0BR

Office of the Public Guardian

Address: Office of the Public Guardian, Hadrian House, Callendar Business Park , Callendar Road , Falkirk , FK1 1XR ;

Telephone: 01324 678300

Fax: 01324 678301

Website: www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk;

Email: opg@scotcourts.gov.uk

The Public Guardian registers continuing and welfare powers of attorney, authorisations to access funds, guardianship orders and intervention orders. He or she supervises guardians and people granted an intervention order and will investigate any complaints regarding the exercise of functions relating to the property or financial affairs of an adult relating to any of these, or any circumstances in which the property or financial affairs of an adult appear to be at risk. The Office of the Public Guardian also provides information and advice to guardians, attorneys or other authorised persons about the performance of functions in terms of the Act.

Legal Services Agency

Mental Health Legal Representation Project (Strathclyde)

Address: 3rd floor, Fleming House, 134 Renfrew Street , Glasgow G3 6ST ;

Telephone: 0141 353 3354 (Tuesdays only 11am – 1pm );

Website: www.lsa.org.uk

Mental Health Legal Representation Project (Edinburgh & Lothians)

Address: Princes House, 5 Shandwick Place , Edinburgh EH2 4RG ;

Telephone: 0131 228 9993 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am – 1pm )

Website: www.lsa.org.uk

Legal Services Agency has qualified solicitors who give free and confidential advice on all aspects of the law relating to dementia. Legal representation is also available; there may be a charge for this, but Legal Aid may be available.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: in your local phone book or from Citizen’s Advice Scotland

Telephone: 0131 550 1000;

Website: www.cas.org.uk

CABs can advise you on welfare benefits and help with application forms. They can also help you find specialist help such as a solicitor.

Solicitors

Many solicitors offer a free first interview service. A charge will be made for any further advice or work. Legal Aid may be available depending on the circumstances.

The Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000) can send you a list of solicitors in your area who have an interest in mental health matters. You may also get a list from the Law Society of Scotland (Telephone: 0131 226 7411)

Website: www.lawscot.org.uk

Alzheimer Scotland

Address: National Office, 22 Drumsheugh Gardens , Edinburgh , EH3 7RN
Telephone: 0131 243 1453

Website: www.alzscot.org

Email: alzheimer@alzscot.org

Alzheimer Scotland provides specialist information and support for people with dementia and their carers in Scotland and works on their behalf to improve public policies and services.

Alzheimer Scotland also run the 24 hour Dementia Helpline. Calls to the Dementia Helpline are free (except calls from certain mobile phone networks).

24 hour Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000