Top 10 Questions on Fair Deal Scheme Answered

 

A financial decision often sparks up numerous queries and concerns and the Nursing Home Support Scheme is no exception. Though there are many advisors to approach and seek support from, it’s always wise to research yourself at first, grab an overall idea about the concepts and then hire a specialist like Fair Deal Advice to guide you through the application process and clarify doubts that may arise, since you are entirely new to it. Keeping in mind all that and much more, we have jotted down ten of the most frequently asked questions about the Nursing Home Support Scheme. Go through them if you are interested in applying for financial assistance for yourself or your loved ones.

1. What exactly is the Fair Deal Scheme?

The Nursing Home Support Scheme, abbreviated as NHSS, is staunch financial assistance extended to mostly the aged section of the population, who need long-term nursing home care. To achieve this financial independence, they have to make a contribution based on their means and State bears the rest through HSE (Health Service Executive).

2. Who can be the Applicant?

It can be anyone, who is in dire need of long-term nursing home care.

3. What’s the Application Process?

It’s quite simple, where an applicant has to go through two basic steps, namely Care Needs Assessment and State Support. There’s also a third step in the name of Nursing Home Loan Scheme, which is entirely optional.

4. Where to Seek an Application of Fair Deal Scheme from?

It’s available at the Local Health Office or in any hospital.

5. What is meant by Care Needs Assessment?

It’s a responsibility, the onus of which is usually taken up by healthcare professionals, to check the ability of the applicant to carry out activities. Also, it reviews the health, social, personal and medical services being used up by the individual as well as the support received by the person from community and family members.

6. What’s an Applicant’s Contribution?

It’s 80% of one’s accessible income if the person lacks assets. But those who own them shall have to pay 7.5% of their asset’s value per annum for the first three years. However, the financial assessment shall not count the first €72,000 for a couple and half of the amount for an individual applicant.

7. Is the Scheme Considerate towards Partners Living at Home?

Surprisingly, yes. It leaves behind 50% of a couple’s income and the State Pension received by them for the partner to support his lifestyle. Here, the greater amount is usually non-contributory.

8. Does Paying for Long-Term Care Cost One’s Family Home?

The scheme is considerate enough to not to compel you to sell off your property to pay for the care expenses. To support people, who find it difficult to part with the 7.5% contribution, it offers a Nursing Home Loan, by deferring the payment at a later date.

9. What’s included under Fair Deal?

From bed and board to personal care, nursing and laundry, the scheme covers it all.

10. How long should an Applicant Wait for an Approval?

The waiting time is usually 4-6 weeks for applicants eagerly awaiting approval.

Postscript:

For further queries, reach out to Fair Deal Advice in Ireland. The specialists can help you in clearing out your doubts through insightful advice and guidance.