This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Free Personal Care information campaign
28/04/2002
A new public information campaign, giving details of what free personal and nursing care will mean has been launched.
On July 1 this year free personal care is being introduced for people aged 65 and over. Free nursing care is also being introduced for care home residents of all ages. The campaign explains what this will mean in practice.
From today local and national newspapers will give details of where people can get more information about the policy generally and how to discuss their individual circumstances.
Leaflets will be available throughout Scotland in GP surgeries, social work offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux, care homes and other information outlets. Relevant voluntary organisations in Scotland will also being playing their part in providing information and advice.
The NHS freephone helpline is also available on 0800 224488 and there is an electronic version of the leaflet on the Internet.
Deputy Health Minister Hugh Henry said:
"For the first time personal care will be available free to all those in need of assistance, whether at home or in care. Today's information campaign will set out what free personal care will mean in practice and will ensure that accurate information is available for those with questions about free personal care.
"Leaflets will be made available from GP surgeries, social work offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux, voluntary organisations, care homes and other information outlets. I would encourage all those who think that they or a family member may be eligible for free personal care to pick up one of these leaflets. Further information can also be gained from the NHS helpline and from local authority social work services.
"I believe that it is vital that everyone should receive sound information about what free personal care is. We introduced this policy to benefit older people who currently have to pay for their personal and nursing care but we can only be successful if people are properly informed."
Personal care can include:
- personal hygiene such as bathing, showering, hair washing and oral hygiene
- continence management such as help with the toilet and skin care
- food and diet including assistance with eating and special diets
- help with immobility
- counselling and support services
- simple treatments such as assistance with medication, application of creams and dressings
- personal assistance such as help with dressing and assistance to get up and go to bed