Free personal care campaign launched

A campaign to highlight the introduction of
free personal care has been launched by the Scottish executive this
week.

A freephone helpline has been set up to back
the information campaign which will be led by newspaper
advertising, a website and leaflets. The latter will be distributed
through social work offices, doctors’ surgeries and other public
places.

Hugh Henry, deputy minister for community
care, said: “This campaign will set out what free personal care
will mean in practice and will ensure that accurate information is
available for those with questions about free personal care.”

Free personal care and free nursing care will
be introduced on 1 July. The executive has set aside £125m for
the next two years to cover costs.

During the debate on whether or not to
introduce free personal care, Age Concern Scotland argued that far
more people could qualify for assistance than previously estimated
by the Scottish executive.

The information campaign is likely to attract
people who have so far not taken up services due to a lack of
awareness or fears over costs.

– Further information from 0800 224488 and www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2002/04/SEHD030.aspx