Free Personal Care

Help for All Who Need It, Regardless of Age

From 2019, the SNP-led Scottish Government extended free personal care to everyone under 65.

This built on the existing provision for those aged 65 and over – meaning that, now, any adult in Scotland assessed by their local authority as needing personal care receives it free of charge, irrespective of their age, income, or capital.

Personal care includes areas such as; support with personal hygiene, issues with mobility, food preparation and support at mealtimes, and assistance with dressing or getting in or out of bed.

The legislation was referred to at the time as ‘Frank’s Law’, after the former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel. Frank was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 59 and sadly died six years later in 2014.

This change has helped thousands of people across Scotland receive the support that they are entitled to without being impacted financially. Free nursing care is similar and has been available to all who are assessed as requiring nursing care services, without charge.

It was a step change in the provision in personal care in Scotland, and the SNP has continued to work with local authorities to ensure it is delivered in full.

The policy is another cornerstone one which exemplifies the fairer society that the SNP is determined to keep building in Scotland.