This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Statistics on free personal and nursing care
28/09/2004
There are around 48,700 people receiving free personal care, and about 5,300 people receiving free nursing care, according to statistics published today.
Free personal/nursing care was introduced in Scotland on 1 July 2002. People aged 65 or over who live in care homes, and who would otherwise pay their own fees, receive a weekly payment of £145 towards their personal care, and a further £65 if nursing care is also required. People aged under 65 can also receive £65 towards nursing care. People aged 65 or over who receive local authority home care receive their personal care free of charge.
Other main findings in the publication 'Free Personal/Nursing Care, Scotland 2004' are:
Recipients of free personal/nursing care
Over the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2004:
· The number of people receiving free personal care in a care home increased steadily - there was a 15 per cent rise over the two year period.
· The number of people receiving free nursing care also increased by 15 per cent.
· The number of people in receipt of free personal care at home increased steadily by 74 per cent over the two years.
Expenditure on free personal/nursing care Over the period 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003:
· Expenditure on free personal care for care home residents was £42.1 million.
· Expenditure on free nursing care for care home residents aged under 65 was £0.1 million, and for those aged 65 or over was £12.1 million.
· Expenditure on free personal care for home care clients was £71.9 million.
Public enquiries about the information contained in this News Release should be addressed to Social Work Statistics Unit, Room 3RW, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG or email SWStat@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
More information on community care in Scotland is available in the publication: 'Scottish Community Care Statistics 2002', available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00309-00.asp