1. Introduction
This Statistics Release presents the latest figures for free personal care ( FPC) and free nursing care ( FNC).
Free personal and nursing care ( FPNC) was introduced in Scotland on 1 July 2002.
Prior to 1 July 2002, people could be charged for personal care services provided in their own home and many residents in Care Homes had to fully fund their care from their own income and savings.
Since July 2002:
- people aged 65 and over can no longer be charged for personal care services provided in their own home. They can however be charged for domestic services such as help with shopping or housework but any charge would be subject to a financial assessment.
- people aged 65 or over who live in care homes and are assessed as self-funders now receive a weekly payment of £145 towards their personal care, and a further £65 if nursing care is also required. The remainder of the care homes fees - the 'hotel' costs - they still fund themselves. People aged under 65 can also receive £65 towards nursing care.
This release presents information from a variety of sources to give a picture of :
- the number of people benefiting from free personal care and free nursing care in Scotland, and
- how much Local Authorities spend on personal care services
Expenditure on Free Personal and Nursing Care
Number of People receiving Free Personal and Nursing Care
