Accessing Social Care Support
In Scotland, accessing local authority care and support begins with a community care assessment. This assessment, conducted by a social worker or occupational therapist from the local council, identifies an individual's needs and how to best meet them. An assessment can be requested by the individual, a family member, or a carer. For those leaving hospital, an assessment might start during their stay. If a person's condition worsens while waiting, contacting the social work department to provide updates is recommended.
Free Personal and Nursing Care
Since 2019, all adults in Scotland assessed by their local authority as needing personal or nursing care are entitled to receive it for free. This is regardless of age, income, or savings.
- Personal Care: Includes assistance with personal hygiene and getting in and out of bed.
- Nursing Care: Tasks like injections requiring a qualified nurse.
Self-Directed Support (SDS)
Scotland offers Self-Directed Support (SDS), providing flexibility in how care is funded. Following a needs assessment, individuals can choose how to arrange and fund their support, including direct payments or council-arranged services. Options include direct payment, council-arranged service, a mix-and-match approach, or a third-party managed budget.
Home Support and Services
Many older people prefer to remain in their own homes. While personal care is free, other services like housework may require a financial assessment and council charges.
Common Home Support Services:
- Meals at Home
- Household Help
- Equipment and Adaptations
- Community Alarms and Telecare
- Support for Carers
Housing Options for Older People
For those needing more support than home care can provide, tailored housing options are available.
| Housing Type | Target Audience | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Amenity Housing | Individuals seeking accessible homes without requiring extra care. | Self-contained homes with modifications, no warden service. |
| Sheltered Housing | Generally 60+ and able to live independently but benefiting from a warden service. | Self-contained flats, often with communal areas, an alarm system, and a scheme manager. |
| Very Sheltered Housing (Extra Care) | More vulnerable individuals with higher care needs. | Self-contained accommodation with a higher level of on-site care and support. |
Financial Benefits and Support
Several financial benefits are available to assist older people. These include Pension Credit, an income top-up for those over State Pension age on a low income, which can help access other benefits. The new Scottish Pension Age Disability Payment provides financial support for those over State Pension age with a disability or health condition. Other benefits like Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment also assist with specific costs. Help with housing costs includes Council Tax Reduction. A free bus pass is available to those aged 60 and over.
Charitable and Community Support
Numerous charities offer support.
- Age Scotland Helpline: Offers free, confidential advice on topics from benefits to housing and energy.
- Community Connecting: Age Scotland's service linking older people with local social activities.
- Royal Voluntary Service: Provides community transport for those with mobility issues.
- Friends of the Elderly: Provides small grants via referral agents for older people in financial difficulty.
Legal and Future Planning
A Power of Attorney is a key legal document for future planning. It allows you to appoint someone to make decisions for you if you lose capacity, covering welfare and financial matters.
Conclusion
Scotland offers extensive support for the elderly, from free care policies to local services. The first step for official support is usually a community care assessment via the local social work department. For confidential advice and information on care, benefits, and local services, the {Link: Age Scotland helpline https://www.agescotland.org.uk/how-we-help/helpline} or resources like Care Information Scotland are excellent starting points. Proactive planning, such as arranging a Power of Attorney, is also vital for future security and independence.
