Free personal and nursing care in Scotland

[botanics]

Does anyone know if someone entitled to this has to choose a care home in their own local authority (i.e. where their home is) or if it can be elsewhere in Scotland (if all other aspects of the care will be self funded)?

I would think it can be elsewhere. I know I wondered about this when my late mum was beginning to need more support as we were in the NE and she was in the Central belt. However we never got to the point of actually finding out.

Have you been in touch with Age UK or the current Local Authority ?

If you move to Scotland from England do you qualify for free social care?

If you're moving into your own home then yes, it's based on residency.
I'm not sure about moving directly into a care home though as this would have to be needs assessed in advance and responsibility for that assessment would likely lie with the local authority where a person lives

Thanks. Not yet - I was hoping someone who had experience of this might know. As you say I don't think it's an uncommon situation. I had thought of asking Age UK so that might be the best bet.

Age UK are pretty helpful. I would also suggest the Elderly Parents thread on Mumsnet as it is a great source of info and support

Yes you’d be entitled to move anywhere within Scotland and still receive FPNC. If you weren’t self funding would be slightly more complex due to residency but still perfectly doable.
if your mum was entering care following ie a hospital admission you would probably need to arrange private ambulance transfer as the service used for this only goes within the local area. This can be £200 plus.

if moving to Scotland for care you’d still be funded by your home local authority so I don’t think you’d be entitled no.

age uk’s helpline is super well worth a call.

Thanks! That's really helpful.