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Scotland Will Fund Personal Care for Elders

Wed, 02/07/2001 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

The British Medical Journal reports that a majority exists within the Scottish parliament in favor of providing free personal care for older Scots. This action came in response to a report from the Royal Commission on Long Term Care for the Elderly which recommended making personal services free to all. It has been estimated that it will cost ?110m ($165m) a year to pay for the improved package of care in Scotland. The personal services the Commission recommended covering include:

Personal toilet (washing, bathing, skin care, personal presentation, dressing and undressing and skin care)

Eating and drinking (as opposed to obtaining and preparing food and drink)

Managing urinary and bowel functions (including maintaining continence and managing incontinence)

Managing problems associated with immobility

Management of prescribed treatment (e.g. administration and monitoring medication)

Behavior management and ensuring personal safety (for example, for those with cognitive impairment - minimizing stress and risk)

The British Medical Journal reports that a majority exists within the Scottish parliament in favor of providing free personal care for older Scots. This action came in response to a report from the Royal Commission on Long Term Care for the Elderly which recommended making personal services free to all. It has been estimated that it will cost ?110m ($165m) a year to pay for the improved package of care in Scotland. The personal services the Commission recommended covering include:

Personal toilet (washing, bathing, skin care, personal presentation, dressing and undressing and skin care)

Eating and drinking (as opposed to obtaining and preparing food and drink)

Managing urinary and bowel functions (including maintaining continence and managing incontinence)

Managing problems associated with immobility

Management of prescribed treatment (e.g. administration and monitoring medication)

Behavior management and ensuring personal safety (for example, for those with cognitive impairment - minimizing stress and risk)