Emergency care home in Scotland
Scotland funds personal and nursing care free regardless of means - that changes the math of an emergency. Self-Directed Support gives families more control over how care is delivered.
The short answer. Scotland operates Free Personal and Nursing Care for adults assessed as needing it, regardless of means. Personal care is £261.20 per week (2026/27) and nursing care £117.90 per week. The hotel cost (accommodation, meals) is means-tested. Self-Directed Support gives the family choice over delivery. The upper capital limit for hotel cost is £35,000 (2026/27). Call NHS 24 (111) or council social work duty.
Governing law
The Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 underpins choice. SDS Act 2013 ↗Free Personal and Nursing Care is set out in Scottish Government policy. Scotland FPNC ↗
Self-Directed Support options
- Option 1. Direct payment - family receives money to commission care directly.
- Option 2. Family chooses, council arranges and pays the provider.
- Option 3. Council chooses and arranges (traditional model).
- Option 4. A mix of the above.
Who to call
- NHS 24 (telephone 111) for health and social care signposting out-of-hours.
- Council social work emergency duty team.
- Care Inspectorate Scotland for regulator-side concerns. Care Inspectorate ↗
Frequently asked
Does Free Personal Care cover all costs?
No. It covers personal care (£261.20 per week 2026/27) and nursing care (£117.90 per week 2026/27). Accommodation and meals - the hotel cost - is means-tested.
Can I move my parent from Scotland to England?
Yes, but the funding picture changes. England means-tests personal care. Always seek independent advice before any cross-border move.
What replaces NHS CHC Fast Track in Scotland?
Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care covers the equivalent end-of-life and continuing healthcare scenarios, with similar fast-track principles.
Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.