Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

NEWS FOCUS:LONG-TERM nursing home residents can now apply for a new financial aid package, following the introduction of the Fair Deal nursing home support scheme yesterday. Although the scheme won’t become operational until October 27th, the new care representative appointment process has already commenced, which means that individuals looking to avail of financial aid on behalf of an applicant with reduced capacity can apply to the Circuit Court for appointment as a care representative.

The Fair Deal was due to be introduced in early 2008, but has been beset with delays. On July 1st, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 was signed into law, and the NTPF began negotiations with private nursing homes to agree prices on behalf of the State for the provision of long-term residential care services.