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The Fair Deal Scheme Explained

Fair Deal Scheme Explained
The Nursing Home Support Scheme, known as the Fair Deal Scheme, is operated by the HSE and provides financial support for people that need long-term nursing home care. The HSE covers the cost of nursing home care while you make a contribution after your financial situation is assessed. Assets, including savings and property are taken into account when assessing your financial situation to decide how much you will have to contribute.

The scheme is open to anyone living in the State for at least a year and requires approval of your application before you can decide on the desired nursing home.

Care Needs Assessment
The application includes a “care needs assessment” to confirm that long-term care is necessary. This is carried out by healthcare professionals appointed by the HSE covering your ability to carry our daily independence tasks, like dressing, shopping and self-care. It also takes into account personal social services provided, family, or community, support available to you as well as your wishes and preferences. The report is prepared, shared with you and informs you whether you have been deemed eligible for State support for long-term nursing home care under the Fair Deal scheme.

Financial Assessment
This assessments looks at all your income and assets, including savings, property, pensions and social welfare benefits. The assessment does not take into account the income of children or supporting relatives. The assessment then works out what your contribution will be and the HSE will then cover the balance of the cost of your care. EG: If your weekly cost is €1000.00 and your contribution is €250.00, the HSE will pay the balance of €750.00 for as long as you need care.

Nursing Home Loan/Your Contribution to Long-Term Care
In order to avail of the Nursing Home Loan you must provide written consent to a charging order registered against your asset (home) and if you’re a couple your spouse must also provide written consent.
You will contribute 80% of your income.
7.5% of the value of assets per year of care, with a 3 Year Cap. After 3 years of long-term nursing care you will not be required to pay any further contribution based on your principal residence.
The first €36,000.00 of your assets are not counted in the financial assessment.
If your assets are property the 7.5% contribution will be deferred and paid to Revenue after your death. This is known as the Nursing Home Loan.
If your spouse is still living in the principal residence the repayment can be deferred for their lifetime.
If you no longer have the capacity to make decisions your representative/enduring power of attorney will make these decisions on your behalf.

Successful Application
Once the HSE confirm your eligibility and acceptance you then choose your preferred nursing home from a qualifying list. You then pay the level of agreed contribution and the State/HSE covers the rest.

This is solely a broad overview of the Fair Deal Scheme and does not constitute legal advice.

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