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Free personal care

From 1 April 2019 personal care is available to everyone aged over 16 years free of charge as part of their social care package (if assessed eligible to receive personal care).

Previously, free personal care was only available to (eligible) people over the aged 65 or over. However a change in the law means it is free for (eligible) people over 16 years from April 2019.

If you are under 65 and currently receive personal care within your care and support package, your package will have been reviewed to take this change in the law into account.

For all new assessments for social care, the personal care aspect will automatically be included.

What is free personal care?

The following are examples of personal care services that are free:

  • Help with personal hygiene.
  • Assistance with eating.
  • Continence management.   
  • Assistance with medication.
  • Assistance getting in/out of bed.
  • Help with dressing.

Here are some examples of non-personal care services:

  • Housework.
  • Collecting pensions.
  • Shopping/running errands.
  • Making beds.
  • Telecare services.
  • Day services.
  • Maintenance of occupational therapy equipment.
  • Transport.

Will I pay anything for my care package?

It is important to recognise that while the personal care aspect of services will be supplied free of charge, non-personal care services will continue to be charged dependent on your income and savings.

We will carry out an assessment of your financial circumstances and, depending on your income, you may need to make a contribution to the cost of your care and support services.

How do I access social care?

If you think you would benefit from social care at home we can assess you to find out if you fit the eligibility criteria. You can ask your GP or social worker to make a referral for you, or you can contact us directly.

If you would like an assessment on your needs to see if you are eligible to receive support, please contact our Early Intervention and Prevention Team on 0345 30 111 20 or email AccessTeam@pkc.gov.uk.

Last modified on 15 April 2019

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