The framework was developed with support from Alzheimer Scotland and the Place Home and Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

By signing up to this framework, the council is now able to access a tool to assess the council’s current practice in supporting tenants with dementia and to identify areas where practice could be improved.

The framework focuses on providing the right advice, the right home and the right support.

It sets out five person-centred outcomes that people living with dementia have advised are important to them:

1. I receive valuable housing advice when I need it
2. My home has been adapted or designed to suit me and support me to stay at home
3. I feel listened to and involved in decisions that matter to me
4. I know about housing choices and feel able to plan for my future
5. I am supported to live safely and independently at home and to participate in the life of my community.

Councillor Stephen Curran, Midlothian cabinet member for housing, said: “We want to make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia. By signing up to this framework we can plan for early conversations with prospective tenants so we can try to ensure the appropriate allocation of properties throughout Midlothian.”