THE widow of a former footballer who has fought a campaign for free personal care for under-65s has won a reassurance from Scotland’s new Health Minister that the rollout will be in April next year.
Amanda Kopel’s husband Frank – who played for Dundee United – was diagnosed with dementia in his late 50s and died in 2014 before he could receive personal care free of charge.
Currently, under-65s with a health condition must pay for help with washing and cooking.
Former health minister Shona Robison committed to extending free personal care to under-65s who need it next year, but councils – which are responsible for delivering the policy – warned last month it could be 2021 before there is “full implementation”. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) said in a statement to MSPs that there should be a “staged approach”.
Kopel, who had to leave her job to look after her late husband, said: “Frank and I started this campaign in 2013. Parliament has passed it, so that’s good. But when Cosla were saying 2021 I was quite horrified.
“That day I actually went along to Frankie’s grave and cried. I kept saying: 'Frankie, what do I do? That’ll be eight years since we started the campaign. I can’t fight this anymore. I haven’t got the energy.'
“I felt like I had let Frankie down and let down all of those under-65s. Looking back, I know now it was daft of me to think that. But that’s how I felt at the time.”
Now Jeane Freeman, who was named Health Minister in June following a Cabinet reshuffle by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has backed the Frank’s Law campaign and insisted the rollout will be in April next year.
Speaking to the Sunday Herald last night, Freeman said: “We have been clear that the extension of free personal care is to be fully implemented by April 1 2019, and we have already brought the necessary legislative steps before the Scottish Parliament for this to happen.”
The Scottish Government has estimated that the annual cost of extending free personal care to under-65s will be around £11 million. Cosla’s estimate is £33m.
Freeman added: “We are working with Cosla, who are members of our Implementation Advisory Group, to identify and analyse the costs of extending free personal care to under-65s, including the assessment processes, and ensure that it is available to all those who are assessed as needing it.”
Kopel said: “There are people under 65 who need free personal care now. Whether someone is 35, 45, 55 or 65, they shouldn’t be refused free personal care. I was at a funeral last week for a man who died with dementia aged 63 and he was denied free personal care. It’s time to deliver.”
Amanda Kopel will host a Frank’s Law fundraising dinner on October 27 at Forthill Sports Club in Dundee. The event will raise money for the campaign and charity Alzheimer Scotland. An auction will be held and lots will include Frank’s Law merchandise signed by stars of sport including Sir Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, John Barnes, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Teddy Sheringham. For further information visit the Frank’s Law Facebook page.
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