Social care "flagship policy" figures hold steady but challenges ahead, says charity
New figures released by the Scottish Government today show the number of people receiving Free Personal and Nursing Care for 2016/17 held steady, but Scotland's national charity for older people warns of the challenges ahead for the flagship policy.
In 2016/17 over 76,000 people in Scotland benefited from Free Personal and Nursing Care, either in a care home or while living in their own home, a slight decrease from 78,000 the previous year.
Age Scotland, the national charity for people over the age of 50, believes that the figures "demonstrate how important Free Personal and Nursing care is" and is encouraging the Scottish Government and Councils to make sure they consider future challenges such as an ageing population, widened eligibility and workforce issues as a result of Brexit.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said, “These latest figures demonstrate just how important Free Personal and Nursing Care is. More than 7% of those over 65 years old rely on it to get the care they need, whether in their own home or in a care home.”
“It has been a flagship policy ever since devolution and Scotland arguably has the best social care system in the United Kingdom.
“But there are significant challenges for the policy ahead, due to Scotland’s ageing population as well as the widened eligibility criteria coming into force from next year. Over the next decade it is likely that more people will require Free Personal and Nursing Care and the Scottish Government needs to support local authorities in light of this, both in terms of financing and how the policy is implemented.
“Recruitment and retention of social care staff remains a significant challenge for providers and it is unlikely that Brexit will make this any easier to resolve.
“Every week our Freephone helpline hears of instances where the wait for social care is excruciatingly long, and families really struggle to ensure that their loved ones get the support that they need and are entitled to. Local Authorities cope with demand, both in the assessment of care needs and the delivery, to varying degrees of success.”
“We want people to be able to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible and Free Personal and Nursing Care helps older people do so.”
Age Scotland’s free helpline is staffed by a small team of professionals providing personalised support and advice to people over the age of 50, their families and carers.
The free helpline is 0800 12 44 222 and is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Notes for Editors
Scottish Government: Free personal and nursing care, Scotland, 2016-2017
