Free Personal Care for Older People: A Wider Perspective on Its Costs

Citation

Bell D, Rutherford AC & Wright RE (2013) Free Personal Care for Older People: A Wider Perspective on Its Costs. Fraser of Allander Institute Economic Commentary, 36 (3), pp. 69-76. http://www.strath.ac.uk/media/departments/economics/fairse/backissues/Fraser_Economic_Commentary_Vol_36,_No_3.pdf

Abstract
The paper comments on the so-called "Free Personal Care (FPC)" policy established in Scotland in 2002. FPC is the legal entitlement of people aged 65 and older, who have been assessed by the council as having personal care needs, to receive services that will assist them in their day-to-day activities. One view is that FPC may not be affordable in its current form because population ageing will increase dramatically the numbers eligible for assistance in the future. This paper discusses ways in which FPC may actually lower the total per-person cost of accommodating Scotland's ageing population.

Journal
Fraser of Allander Institute Economic Commentary: Volume 36, Issue 3