National Eligibility Criteria

The aim of the National Eligibility Criteria and Waiting Times for Personal and Nursing Care of Older People is to support and promote better outcomes for older people, including:

• A common standard eligibility framework for older people which categorises the needs of individuals and which is applied by all Scottish local authorities;
• A common commitment to deliver personal and nursing care services to older people within a maximum period of six weeks (42 calendar days) following the identification of need, identified under the criteria as being at critical or substantial risk as regards their independent living or wellbeing.

 

You can see a copy of the Guidance to Local Authorities on implementing the National Eligibility Criteria on the Scottish Government website here.

From 1 December 2009, Scottish Local Authorities are expected to ensure that their local eligibility criteria and definitions for older people and the timescales for accessing personal and nursing care services for older people are compatible with the national definitions and standards set out in the guidance.  The standard waiting times apply only to personal and nursing care services.

Further information

National Eligibility Criteria and Waiting Times for Personal and Nursing Care of Older People on the Scottish Government website.

An Independent Review by Lord Sutherland into Free Personal and Nursing Care in Scotland on the Scottish Government website.

Community Care Outcomes Framework on the Scottish Government website.

 

last updated 05/07/2011