Written by Oliver Wakefield-Smith. Reviewed for accuracy against the Homecare Association's 2026/27 minimum-price report and Age UK's 2026 factsheets. Numbers verified 21 June 2026.
Home care cost in Scotland in 2026
Scotland is the outlier nation in UK adult social care. Personal care (washing, dressing, medication prompts, continence support) is free at the point of delivery for every adult assessed as needing it, regardless of capital or income[10].
What is free
- Personal care tasks listed in the Free Personal Care regulations: washing, dressing, food preparation and assistance, medication prompts, continence support, immobility help.
- Nursing care provided by a registered nurse.
- For self-funded care-home residents, the FPNC payment is £248.70/wk personal and £113.10/wk nursing (2025/26)[10].
What the buyer still pays for
- Hours that are not personal care: housework, social support, sitting service, shopping.
- Care-home accommodation costs.
- Top-ups for preferred providers above the council rate.
The Scottish capital thresholds
For the residential means test and for non-personal home-care hours, Scotland uses £21,500 lower and £35,500 upper (slightly higher than England)[11].