Free Personal Care was introduced in Scotland in July 2002 and this means that Local Authorities can no longer charge for personal care provided to those aged 65 and over.

Personal care for people living at home: You can receive free personal care if you are aged 65 or over and you have been assessed by the local authority as needing it. You will then receive the care free of charge or alternatively you can ask your local authority for a direct payment so you can arrange and purchase the services yourself.

You may be required to pay for any non-personal care you need such as lunch clubs, meals on wheels and help with shopping and housework. If you need these kinds of services your local authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you are able to meet or contribute towards the cost.

Personal care includes help with:

Personal Hygiene: Bathing, showering, hair washing, shaving, oral hygiene, nail care
Continence Management: Toileting, catheter/stoma care, skin care, incontinence laundry, bed changing
Food and Diet: Assistance with the preparation of food and assistance with the fulfilment of special dietary needs
Problems with Immobility: Dealing with the consequences of being immobile or substantially immobile
Counselling and Support: Behaviour management, psychological support, reminding devices
Simple Treatments: Assistance with medication (including eye drops), application of creams and lotions, simple dressings, oxygen therapy
Personal Assistance: Assistance with dressing, surgical appliances, prostheses, mechanical and manual aids. Assistance to get up and go to bed. Transfers including the use of a hoist.

For people who live in a care home free personal care is available to those aged 65 and over who can fund their own care. It does not affect those who will be publicly funded anyway. Your local authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine if you can fund your own care. You will be entitled to £145 per week for your personal care and a further £65 per week if nursing care is required. The local authority pays this money directly to the care home.