Introduction to Information Package and Summary of Details

The Grand Lodge of Scotland owns and administers two Care Homes, which are registered with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and offer security and comfort to Freemasons, their dependants and other persons who require care in a Residential setting. The Homes are situated in Edinburgh - Sir James McKay House and Bridge of Weir - The Marcus Humphrey House and can accommodate a total of forty Residents in Single Rooms, many with en suite facilities. The Marcus Humphrey House has a separate Day Care facility catering for older people with dementia. The Day Centre is operated to provide companionship and security for older people who live in their own homes but who require some support in their daily lives. All of the above Services are operated on an open referral basis.

The philosophy of The Grand Lodge of Scotland in operating the Homes is to provide a high standard of care for its Residents who, for various reasons, are seeking residential accommodation in a comfortable and secure environment. In relation to the Day Centre the Service is designed to be as flexible as possible and to provide a stimulating daily routine within a homely environment without reducing Service Users' life skills to the detriment of their ability to continue living independently within the community.

Details of the care and facilities offered in the Scottish Masonic Homes and their related Care Services are clearly defined within the Organisation's Statement of Operating Policy, Aims and Objectives, a copy of which is included in this package. Also included is an Information Sheet giving further details of all of the Services provided.

It is sometimes possible to provide short-term accommodation for a person who may be recovering from illness, or to enable members of the family who normally care for an older relative to take a short holiday. Applications for both short-term and permanent admission should be made through the Secretary of the Lodge with which there is a connection, who will obtain the necessary Forms from Grand Secretary, or where there is no Lodge connection applications should be made directly either to the Manager of the individual Home concerned or to Freemasons' Hall in Edinburgh at the address below.

The cost of all Services is subject to individual circumstances. As a result of the implementation of the National Health Service and Community Care Act on 1st April 1993, all persons requiring financial assistance on entering Residential Care - on either a Permanent, Respite Care or Convalescent basis - are no longer be funded by the Department of Social Security. The responsibility for providing financial assistance, if required, now lies with the Local Authorities and such assistance is not automatic but is subject to the outcome of an assessment of the applicant's needs by the Social Work Department. Should it be decided that the care needs of an individual would best be met by admission to Residential Care and if the qualifying financial criteria are met, namely, not having capital or assets in excess of £19,500.00 funding should be forthcoming. For the purposes of the financial evaluation, to determine eligibility for public-funding, please note that any property owned is treated as capital. All weekly income is taken into account when the amount of assistance to be given on a weekly basis is calculated.

For self-funding applicants, i.e. those applicants who have capital and assets totalling more than £19,500.00 there may be an entitlement to the Free Personal Care Allowance which was introduced in Scotland on 1st July 2002.  To determine eligibility or otherwise, applicants, or their families, will require to make application via the local Social Work Department which will arrange for an assessment to be carried out to ascertain whether or not the Allowance will be payable. This Allowance is currently £145 per week. It should be noted that if an applicant is successful in securing the payment of the Free Personal Care Allowance, they will no longer have an entitlement to Attendance Allowance and if they are receiving this benefit, either they or their family will require to contact the Department of Work and Pensions to arrange for the Attendance Allowance to be stopped.

This information package has been designed for your guidance and further advice and explanation on any matter relating to its contents can be obtained by writing to

The Grand Lodge of Scotland, Freemasons' Hall, 96 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DH.

Alternatively, you may wish to telephone Grand Secretary's Office on 0131 225 5304 where a member of Staff will be pleased to deal with any enquiries.

Prospective Residents, their families and Social Workers are most welcome to visit the Scottish Masonic Homes, in order to meet the Residents and Staff and to see for themselves the accommodation and facilities available. For the purpose of arranging such visits, or if you would like to speak to the Manager concerning the care provided, the Telephone Number for each Home is as under-noted:-

Sir James McKay House, Edinburgh - 0131 315 2841

The Marcus Humphrey House and Day Centre, Bridge of Weir - 01505 613836

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