The Scottish Borders area is 473,614 hectares (1,827 square miles) and is located in the South East of Scotland. It has Edinburgh and the Lothians to the North, Northumberland to the South and Dumfries and Galloway to the West.
The Scottish Borders is a rural area with a population of 115,270 (in 2018), spread over a large geographical area. The largest town is Hawick with an estimated population of approx. 14,000, followed by Galashiels with 12,600. Close to 30% of the Scottish Borders population lives in settlements 500 people or below, many in isolated small villages.
The population of the Scottish Borders has risen by 8.7% in the past 10 years, which is a faster growth-rate than for Scotland. The Borders population split highlights that we have a lower proportion of under 25s and a higher proportion of over 65s, and in particular over 75s, than the Scotland average. Over the past 10 years, our 25-44 age population group has reduced by 25% and our 65-74 age population group has increased by almost 50%.
These geographic and demographic factors have unique and challenging impacts on providing sustainable and cost-effective health and social care services in the Scottish Borders, both currently and into the future.
Scotland-wide Resources
Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. We offer personalised support services, community activities, information and advice, at every stage of the dementia journey.
www.alzscot.org
Legal aid is help towards the costs of legal advice and representation, for those who qualify. It is designed to help individuals on low and modest incomes gain access to the legal system.
Find out more at www.slab.org.uk
The Office of the Public Guardian supports and advises those assisting someone with mental incapacity. They can be contacted on 01324 678300. Their website offers a lot of helpful information.
A solicitor can help you put Power of Attorney in place. You can find a solicitor by contacting the Law Society of Scotland at https://www.lawscot.org.uk/
Solicitors for Older People Scotland (SOPS) is a group of solicitors dedicated to providing legal services to older and vulnerable people in a caring way. SOPS members are committed to providing Power of Attorney under the Legal Aid scheme to clients who qualify.
Find out more at www.sops.org.uk
