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Review of free personal care
14/06/2007
The Scottish Government today pledged to 'raise the bar' in delivering free personal care to tens of thousands of older, vulnerable people across the country.
An independent review under Lord Sutherland will be established to investigate the level and distribution of resources to councils.
And payments for free personal and nursing care in care homes will be uprated in line with inflation.
Cabinet and Wellbeing Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said she was determined to ensure that free personal care is implemented properly and fairly in all parts of the country.
She said:
"More than 50,000 older, vulnerable people benefit from the free personal care policy. I was a leading advocate of its introduction, and I am determined that it will continue on a strong and sustainable footing.
"But it is clear there are areas where action is required in order to enhance delivery of free personal care and to ensure that all those entitled to it get it, and that they do so without undue delay.
"The Scottish Government will not only enhance free personal care provision, but secure its place at the heart of our social care agenda for many years to come."
Ms Sturgeon set out the key elements of her action plan:
"We will establish an independent review to investigate both the level and distribution of resources to local authorities. I am delighted that Lord Sutherland - who was Chair of the Royal Commission that paved the way for the introduction of free personal care - has agreed to lead this review.
"Local authority input to the review will be important. I hope to see the review begin later this summer, concluding in March, with an interim report by September this year.
"Payments for personal and nursing care have remained static since the policy was introduced in 2002. But over the past five years, the cost of a care home place for a self-funder has increased. The result has seen an erosion in the value of free personal and nursing care payments for those who receive them.
"From April next year, we will increase the payment for personal and nursing care in homes in line with inflation. That represents a significant investment over the next three years - a very welcome boost for some of our most vulnerable older people. I believe this is right, fair and affordable.
"We will deliver on our commitment to ensure that free personal and nursing care is implemented properly right across the country. This will ensure that the policy is delivered consistently and equitably.
"There are a number of strands of the policy that need to be clarified. These include food preparation, assistance with medication, waiting lists and a more balanced approach to eligibility criteria.
"I recognise that full resolution of the food preparation point and others may require legislation. Because I also acknowledge that there are those who believe some of the difficulties are down to flaws in the original legislation, I am willing to go down that route if that is the best way to fix any particular problems.
"I believe that positive engagement with local authorities will lead to the delivery of a more consistent approach to implementation of the policy. Resulting in better outcomes for older people.
"As well as the level and distribution of resources, Lord Sutherland's Review will also look at the longstanding imbalance between Scotland and the UK's finances, going back to when the policy was introduced, namely the issue of Attendance Allowance. In parallel, my officials will open discussions with officials in DWP to explore the possibility of an agreed settlement to this issue."
Ms Sturgeon concluded:
"We are committed to the success of the free personal care policy now and in the future. It is a policy that gives help and peace of mind to thousands of people and at a time in their lives when they need it most.
"I commend the previous administration and local authorities for the actions they took to shape and deliver policy - a policy that was born out of strong cross party support and a policy that sets Scotland in the vanguard of social care development.
"We must build upon the strong foundations that exist, and raise the bar in terms of delivery."
Background:
The members of the Review Team under Lord Sutherland will be announced shortly, along with the Review's specific terms of reference.
Free personal and nursing care was introduced in Scotland on 1 July 2002 through the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act. Personal care services, such as help with washing, dressing and getting in and out of bed are provided free of charge to those at home, whilst self funding clients in care homes have payments made to the care home provider by their local authority on their behalf for personal and nursing care.
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.
Self funders in care homes who are assessed by their local authority as in need of personal and nursing care receive a weekly payment of #145 towards their personal care, and a further #65 if nursing care is required. The remainder of the care home fees they still fund themselves. People aged under 65 can also receive #65 towards nursing care.
Over 50,000 older people across Scotland currently benefit from the free personal and nursing care policy - 42,102 received personal care services at home without charge, 9,117 people in care homes received #145 per week towards the cost of personal care services, of whom 5,895 received a further #65 for nursing care.