Written answers

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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863. To ask the Minister for Health the medical and financial support services available, including nursing home support and fair deal scheme support, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8246/22]

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost.

The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. An applicant to the scheme can choose any public, voluntary or approved private nursing home. The home must have availability and be able to cater for the applicant's particular needs.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held (3.75% in the case of a couple). Assets include cash assets and all forms of property whether situated in the State or not. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence (PPR) is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. Since October 2021, with the enactment of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021, the three-year cap now also extends to the proceeds of sale of the PPR and, provided certain criteria are met, on contributions based on farm and business assets.

The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which 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

- Laundry service

A person’s eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drug Payment Scheme, is unaffected by participation in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or residence in a nursing home.

Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme

Application forms and help completing the form can be obtained by contacting the Dublin South, Kildare and Wicklow Nursing Homes Support Scheme Office directly at: 045 920 000

The HSE Home Support Service aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Support Service provides support for everyday tasks including:

- getting in and out of bed

- dressing and undressing

- personal care such as showering and shaving

The support you will receive depends on your individual needs. These supports will be provided by the HSE or by an external provider, approved by the HSE. The Home Support Service is available to people aged 65 or over who may need support to continue living at home or to return home following a hospital stay. Sometimes exceptions are made for people younger than 65 who may need support.

The Kildare/West Wicklow Home Support Office can be contacted directly at 01 921 4718.

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