Since we've just celebrated Burns Night, I'll start by quoting the man: the best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley. For those who are a bit rusty with their poetry, Burns was meaning that no matter how carefully you may plan and scheme, something might still go wrong.

We saw that last week when, finally, the Scottish Government confirmed to us all that their plans for a National Care Service had hit the buffers. This isn't something to revel in. This is a letdown; another inglorious missed opportunity from the Scottish Government to build world class public services.

Social care matters. I'm about to tell you why, if you'll indulge me. I lost my Mum over Christmas, less than a year after my Dad passed. Both had got to the age of 90, so it wasn't unexpected. But as an only child, it hit hard. I will miss them both.
My Dad was lucky, really. He had maintained good health to just beyond his 90th birthday with a relatively quick decline at the end.

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In my Mum's case, it was a painstakingly long and slow downfall, brought about by Alzheimer's. Those who have watched a family member taken in this manner will understand all too well the tragedy of watching your loved one being slowly robbed of their personality, their wisdom, their memories and eventually all of their faculties.

But what stopped my Mum losing her dignity was the outstanding care she received throughout the........

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