Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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359. To ask the Minister for Health where a private nursing home charges additional fees which are mandatory such as for occupational and leisure services, the reason that is not included in the evaluation of the cost; the account that is taken for additional charges such as the cost of hospital visits in situations where family members do not have the ability to fund these; where that is positioned in the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54890/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. Under the Scheme, services and supports which are common to the vast majority of nursing home residents are included in the cost of care. These are: nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person; bed and board; basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living; and laundry service. Goods and services that are already available to individuals under an existing scheme are not included in the goods and services covered by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Incontinence wear, where required, is provided free of charge by the HSE to all Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents that possess a Medical Card.

Part 8 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract with each resident within one month of their admission. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should not be charged fees which are not set out in the contract.