This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Free personal care now on stream
01/07/2002
Free personal and nursing care is now available to more than 75,000 older people after new legislation came into force today.
First Minister Jack McConnell, Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm and his two deputy ministers, Frank McAveety and Nicol Stephen, marked the start of the scheme by meeting elderly people and carers at a day centre in Glasgow.
Jack McConnell said:
"This is a significant step in improving the daily lives of older people in Scotland. It is a significant achievement in devolved Scotland.
"Lord Sutherland and his Royal Commission wanted a fairer policy for all older people and we are delivering that.
"I am proud that, on the third anniversary of our Parliament, we have been able to make that a reality for our older people. But we will also improve the basic services which will keep older Scots at home near their families, looking after themselves, when that is right.
"When older people want to stay in their own homes then our investment in community services will allow that to happen.
"Free personal and nursing care is happening today because it is a promise we made to Scotland's older people and because we believe that it is the right thing to do. This is now a core policy for the devolved government in Scotland and one which we plan to deliver consistently in the years to come."
During the visit Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm took the opportunity to thank local authority staff for their enormous efforts in bringing this policy to fruition. He said:
"Local councils have been making every effort to ensure that free personal care is introduced with minimal disruption to recipients. Care needs will be met.
"I want to pay tribute to staff across Scotland who have risen to the challenge of bringing in this momentous policy. They have reviewed charges for older people, taken hundreds of enquiries and spoken to many older people about their entitlements. While I cannot rule guarantee every case is ready as of today, everyone is determined to ensure that this works for our older people."
Liz Duncan, Scottish spokesperson for Help the Aged, said:
"Scotland's most vulnerable older people are now entitled to the essential care they need without the worry and uncertainty of means test. It is surely right that a generation which built and contributed to the Welfare State is not denied social care to their later years when their need is greatest.
"Help the Aged are pleased that the Scottish Parliament has recognised that free personal care is no less than older people deserve, and no less than a caring society should provide.
Jim Jackson Chief Executive Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia welcomed the Deputy Health Minister's statement.
"Free personal care is the right policy for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia because they will no longer have to pay for the personal care they require as a consequence of their illness. With the addition of increased funding for home support services this is a good example of the Scottish Executive doing more for people with dementia than their counterparts south of the border."
There will be a £250 million package over two year which will include:
- all personal care charges for people cared for in their own home will be abolished;
- everyone needing nursing care, whether at home or in a care home, will receive it free of charge;
- for those cared for in residential accommodation and who are funding the cost of their care, a 'free personal care' payment of £145 per week; and
- for those in a nursing home, delivery of 'free personal and nursing care ' payment of £210 per week.
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 dressing; and
- personal assistance such as help with dressings and assistance to get up and go to bed.