Thursday, August 11, 2022

Fair Deal Funding: The Complete Nursing Homes Support Scheme Guide

 


Do you or an elderly member of your family need long-term care in a nursing home setting? But, are you perplexed about how to cover the most burdensome of medical costs? The NHSS, popularly known as Fair Deal, is a government financial support scheme for Irish residents who need long-term care. Under this scheme, the patient pays part of the nursing home fees and the HSE pays the balance.

Wondering what the Fair deal is all about? Check out the nursing homes support scheme guide below for a detailed insight.

What Does The Fair Deal Scheme Cover?

The government financial support scheme covers long-term nursing home care only. The Fair Deal covers a great level of care appropriate to the individual as well as a bed, laundry, and board service. Also, it covers certain therapeutic activities and some appliances and aids needed to assist with the activities of daily living. If an individual has a medical card, it should cover the cost of aids, appliances, and medical care like medication and GP charges.

The Fair Deal does not cover:

·       Short-term care like a convalescent, respite or day-care

·       Additional fees are charged by the nursing home for several services like activities, hairdressing, or therapies

Ensure you ask the nursing home what additional fees will have to be paid. These will have to be agreed upon and included in your contract.

What Is The ‘Three-Year Cap’?

Some assets are included in the financial assessment for only the first 3 years when you are in care. It is known as the ‘three-year cap’. This means that you have to pay a 7.5% contribution based on the value of certain assets for up to three years. These assets could include:

·       Your house

·       The proceeds of the sale of your house

·       Your business or farm

After the completion of three years, you will not give any more payment on these assets, even if you still get long-term care at a nursing home. Keep in mind that all other assets will be considered for as long as you are in nursing home care. In case you have already been in a nursing home for three years when applying for the Fair Deal Scheme, you do not have to pay the 7.5% payment on your home. 

How Long Does It Take To Receive The Fair Deal Funding?

When it comes to Fair Deal, the waiting period can vary depending on individual circumstances. If a person got admitted from the community to a nursing home before the Fair deal application was approved, the nursing home care expenses will be borne by the patient or their family. The HSE will not cover the cost.

If the person is admitted from a hospital, the hospital might have access to a transitional care bed in a nursing home to which the individual can be admitted while the application is being processed. If there is no availability of transitional care beds, the hospital might apply for temporary funding from the local Fair Deal office. Remember; this funding isn’t automatically given.

The elderly individual or their representative should always ask about this to ensure the hospital applies for the funding otherwise the nursing home will just bill the individual or their representatives. An individual can apply for the scheme before entering the nursing home and in several ways, this is preferable since it will give both the elderly and/or their carer time to select the nursing home that perfectly suits their needs.

Final Words:

Now that you are aware of everything with this nursing home support scheme guide, what are you still waiting for? It’s time to apply for the Fair Deal and get financial assistance!