For immediate release:

EXPANSION OF FREE PERSONAL CARE

As of April 1st, free personal care has been extended to people of all ages who are assessed as requiring it.

Free personal care for older people is one of the landmark achievements of devolution with nearly 76,000 people over the age of 65 currently benefiting from it in Scotland. With the expansion, known as Frank’s Law, at least 9,000 more families are now be eligible.

The policy is named after Frank Kopel, the former Dundee United player, who was diagnosed with and later died from early onset dementia. As Mr Kopel hadn’t reached the age of 65, he faced bills of £1,200 a month for his care. He sadly passed away in 2014 just weeks after he qualified for free personal care.

The Scottish Government’s implementation of the policy goes further than the original call to extend free personal care to those only with dementia, and will mean everyone who requires personal care will receive it – regardless of their age, condition, or assets.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey welcomed the expansion which has now come into legal force.

Ms Haughey said:

“I’m very pleased that this legislation has now come into effect, ensuring that all those who require personal care are able to access it free of charge, regardless of their age, condition or income.

“The Scottish Government has backed this with £30 million of new funding to local authorities, and this change will help thousands of people across Scotland, and many here in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, receive the support that they are entitled to without being impacted financially.”

ENDS

Date published: 28th March 2019