§ 20. Annabelle EwingTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State what co-ordination he has undertaken of Departments' assessment of the implications of the free personal care for the elderly in Scotland. [30908]
The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of StateIn July 2000, DH Ministers announced that they intended to make care from a registered nurse free when provided in a nursing home. This was implemented in October 2001. At the same time, it was announced that personal care services—such as help with dressing and bathing—would continue to be provided on a means-tested basis.
The Scottish Executive similarly decided to make nursing care free in nursing homes. In January 2001 they also announced that, unlike in England, personal care would be made free too. These policies have not yet been implemented.
Both the Government and the Scottish Executive are committed to improving health and social care services for older people, but a different approach has been taken.