What is Personal Care?
Personal Care has been defined by the Scottish Government. Any care service which does not fall into this definition will continue to be charged to those using tha service. Subject to an assessment by the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HHSCP), Personal Care can include:
- personal hygiene (e.g. bathing/showering);
- continence management (e.g. toileting/bed changing);
- food and diet (e.g. assistance with food preparation);
- problems of immobility (e.g. help to move around);
- counselling and support (e.g. reminder device or behaviour management);
- simple treatments (e.g. applying creams/eye drops);
- personal Assistance (e.g. dressing/going to bed).
You may still need to be financially assessed to contribute towards the cost of the following services:
- community alarms;
- lunch clubs;
- the cost of your accommodation and food if you are in a care home (a nursing home or a residential home).
If you are 65 or over and live at home and need help to pay for your care, you must ask the HHSCP to assess your needs and agree a care package to meet those needs. You will not have to pay for any Personal Care you receive.
If you are already in contact with a member of staff in the HHscp, they should be able to answer your questions about Free Personal and Nursing Care.
For further information visit the website: www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/health/care
Or contact the Highland Council's Customer Service Centre who will direct you to the appropriate department.
Telephone 01349 886606.