Ensuring Scotland’s care home residents stay connected
On 22 July 2025, Anne’s Law became legislation as part of the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, ensuring people living in care homes can stay connected with their loved ones, even during exceptional circumstances such as infectious outbreaks. The next step is to develop the Regulations and Code of Practice, which will set out how the law works in practice.
To make sure these reflect real lived experience, Scottish Government officials plan to visit adult and older people’s care homes in Scotland this September. The aim is to spend time with residents, families and staff, to hear their views and ensure the guidance meets the needs of those most affected.
What is the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025?
With the help of the artificial intelligence service ChatGTP, we’ve put together an overview of the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 that highlights the key changes that impact care home residents and their families
Visiting Rights Enhanced (Anne’s Law)
- What’s new? Care homes must legally facilitate family visits – both inside the home and outside.
- Even during crisis (like outbreaks), visits can only be suspended if there’s a serious risk to health or life.
- Visits must continue if the resident is nearing end of life, severely deteriorating, or if stopping visits would seriously harm their wellbeing. Families and the home must agree on safety measures.
- A Code of Practice will guide best practices – prioritising residents’ dignity, health, emotional wellbeing, and recognising the important role of family visitors.
Legislation.gov.ukTransparency News
Digital Integrated Care Records
- Every adult receiving health or social care in Scotland will have a secure digital care record accessible across services.
- Residents and families can access and manage these records, improving transparency and coordination between health and social care providers.
Legislation.gov.ukTransparency News
Unpaid Carers’ Legal Breaks
- Families providing care now have a legal right to breaks.
- Councils must assess whether carers need respite and provide support if they can’t get sufficient breaks themselves.
- A fund of £13 million supports short breaks via voluntary services.
Scottish GovernmentGovernment Business
Independent Advocacy and Better Information Access
- Residents (or their advocates) will have access to independent advocacy, information, and advice to help them participate in decisions about their care.
- Service standards, data tracking, and regular ministerial reporting will ensure availability and quality of these advocacy services.
Legislation.gov.ukTransparency News
Continuity of Social Care When Moving Areas
- If a resident moves between local authority areas, the new authority must provide equivalent care services.
- This ensures consistency of care, with options to adjust financial responsibilities between local authorities.
Legislation.gov.uk
Timely Support for Terminal Illness
- For those with a terminal illness, rapid assessment timelines will be set for their needs—so they receive increasing support as their condition progresses.
Legislation.gov.uk
Fair Work and Sector Transparency
- A Fair Work Strategy must be published, defining fair working standards in the care sector (wages, conditions, etc.).
- Reporting will be required on market composition, providers’ profit levels, and workforce conditions—promoting transparency and accountability.
Transparency NewsLegislation.gov.uk
Why This Matters to Families
- Reliable visits: Residents won’t be cut off from family at critical times – there’s a presumption in favour of contact.
- Better communication: Digital records help ensure everyone knows the care plan, regardless of provider changes.
- Support for carers: Families providing care receive formal recognition and protection through legal breaks.
- Empowerment: advocacy services give residents and families a voice in care decisions.
- Seamless care transitions: Moving between areas won’t mean disruption in caring arrangements.
- Quicker care for illnesses: Families can expect faster care responses for serious or terminal conditions.
- Improved care standards: Transparency and focus on fair work may lead to a more stable care workforce.
Resources
ChatGTP doesn’t get everything right, but we hope that with the links to the resources used you’ll be able check anything that’s unclear.
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