Fair Deal scheme to be introduced in three weeks
The Government has announced that the long-delayed Fair Deal scheme on payment for nursing home care will be introduced in three weeks' time.
Under the scheme, the State will pay 70% of the cost of private nursing home care for people who qualify for financial support.
The other 30% will be paid by the patient, but the personal contribution will be limited to 80% of the patient's disposal income.
The State will also be allowed to recoup up to 15% of the value of the patient's house after the patient has died.
Health Minister Mary Harney says the changes will assure one of the most vulnerable sections of society that long-term nursing home care will be affordable and will remain affordable as long as they need it.
The HSE is publishing application forms and information booklets today so people can familiarise themselves with the process before the scheme is introduced on October 27.
The announcement of a commencement date for the scheme was welcomed by Aga Action who said the news would bring greater clarity for many families struggling to meet the cost of nursing home care.
However, the older people’s charity urged the Government to revise the terms of how the Fair Deal legislation is implemented to ensure that the basic needs of nursing home residents are met.
Under the agreements reached between the nursing home owners and the National Treatment Purchase Fund the charge does not include the cost of basic care needs for non-medical card holders such as incontinence wear, physiotherapy, chiropody or specialised wheelchairs.
“These are basic needs for every nursing home resident, regardless of whether or not they hold a medical card, and should be included in the services covered by the deal,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.
Once the Fair Deal scheme is introduced the State’s existing subvention supports will cease for new residents, with the result that those on the waiting list for a bed will either have to wait or pay the full cost of a private bed. In such a scenario, they would be worse off than families who can currently avail of subvention if they fail to get a public bed.
