Cost of free personal care up by 162% in a decade

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The cost of providing free personal care to elderly people in their homes has increased by 162% in the last decade.

Figures show that services such as washing and dressing cost £349m in 2012-13, up from £133m in 2003-04.

The Scottish government said the rise was due to more people being cared for at home rather than hospitals or care homes.

The health secretary said the figures highlighted the success of the policy.

Labour welcomed the rise in older people being cared for at home, but warned that costs and pressures would continue to rise due to Scotland's "demographic timebomb".

A report produced by Scottish government statisticians also showed that the bill for providing free personal and nursing care to "self-funding" residents in care homes increased from £86m to £116m over the same period - a rise of 35%.

Free personal care was introduced by the Scottish government in 2002, and the policy was reviewed in 2008, which led to a rise in payments.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27205468
 
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