Details of the "fair deal" scheme in brief.
How does the scheme work?
A person or family member can apply to the HSE for an assessment of care needs. If the applicant is assessed as needing long-term residential care, an application for financial support can be made.
Who pays?
The resident pays a maximum of 80 per cent of their income towards the cost of their care while alive. If this does not meet the costs of the nursing home, the State pays the remainder and collects after the resident's death through the sale of their assets. However it only charges up to a maximum of 15 per cent of the value of these assets.
How is the value of the assets assessed?
The value of a resident's home is taken at the time of their application to enter the nursing home and rises in line with the consumer price index, not the housing market. However if house prices fall, the resident or their care representative can apply to have their financial situation reassessed.
What is a care representative?
A relative can apply to the Circuit Court to be appointed as a care representative, to represent the interests of a nursing home resident who does not have the capacity to make decisions.
What if family members want to continue living in the house after the resident's death?
The recovery of costs can be deferred until after death of a spouse, cohabiting partner or dependent child or relative. However if a relative, including a child over the age of 21, is living in the house and has no dependent needs, the State will recoup its costs at the time of the resident's death.
Could the family farm be taken to pay the nursing home fees?
If assets are transferred five years before entry into a nursing home they will not be used as part of the financial assessment.