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Care information for older Scots
02/03/2010
Older people who need care should find the process easier in future, thanks to a new information service launched today.
Care Information Scotland (CIS) offers a single point of information - through one phone number and web address - on the care available for older people throughout the country. It offers detailed information for older people and their families on the range of community care services available from local authorities, the private and voluntary sector.
Care Information Scotland - 08456 001 001
and online at www.careinfoscotland.co.uk
Speaking from CIS's Clydebank base, Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:
"Up and down Scotland there are fantastic care services for older people - helping older people to remain independent in their own homes where possible and providing quality residential care where necessary.
"But we know that until now it hasn't always been easy to find out what your options are, where help is, what kind of care you can get or what costs might be involved. Care Information Scotland will change all that, providing clear information that is thorough and easy to understand.
"It will make life much easier for anyone seeking information - in what can often be a crisis situation for a family - on care and support for themselves or for older relatives."
Councillor Ronnie McColl from Cosla said:
"I am extremely impressed by the approach taken by Care Information Scotland, both in terms of their helpline and their first class website. I am particularly taken by the way in which this central information service links in with every council across Scotland.
"Their approach to working with older people is both sensitive and well-informed and would not hesitate to recommend the service to my own constituents."
Gloria McLoughlin, deputy Chief Executive of Scottish Care, said:
"The world of care services for older people can be extremely difficult to navigate and Scottish Care welcomes the launch of the Care Information Scotland website.
"As a member of the advisory group for Care Information Scotland, Scottish Care has been involved in the development of this service - the first of its kind in Scotland - and I am confident it will help to signpost older people, their friends and family to the care information that is relevant to them.
"This centrally managed and up-to-date information about all aspects of care in Scotland will benefit users, their carers and families and has the potential to share national Scottish Government policy in a meaningful way. The new service communicates clearly eligibility for care, access to care, costs and the choices people have allowing them to make informed decisions."
The budget for Care Information Scotland is £500,000 per year from the Scottish Government over three years.