THE chair of the social work and social care panel is asking for more funding for Inverclyde to keep providing care for people with dementia.

Councillor Francesca Brennan spoke out following figures showing that the area has the highest death rate from Alzheimer's and dementia in the country.

She said: "Lots of people here in Inverclyde are affected by Alzheimer's.

"When people receive that diagnosis, the very minimum they should feel is a sense of security that they're going to be looked after with dignity and respect and that end of life care, when it comes, will be safe and comfortable.

"It's essential that care homes and social care services have the resources they need to deliver the highest possible standard of care for those with dementia.

"Social care, homes and everyone who works with people who have dementia play such an important role in making sure that people receive the care they deserve.

"That's why areas like ours need proper funding to keep on providing quality services.

"There needs to be more investment for social care along with increased research into this illness that affects so many families here in Inverclyde."