Friday, April 19, 2024

Fair Deal Scheme: Inclusions, Coverage and Exemptions

When you are opting for nursing home support under the Fair Deal Scheme in Ireland, either for yourself or a loved one, you need more things to pay for than your care needs. Does the scheme cover it all? This article delves into the details of living under care and how you pay for it. 

Life under the Fair Deal Scheme works differently for different people. The experience, much influenced by financial conditions and decisions, focuses on healthcare needs, and not much on recreation or personal care needs. 

Fair Deal Scheme

Applicants are often not sure about what the nursing home support scheme's cost of care covers for them. Not everyone needing this kind of care has diminished decision-making capacity, there can be other conditions too. The key parameters of essential care needs—bed, board and laundry service are the prime inclusions under this scheme. Nowadays, the new amendments have started to include certain therapies as well, along with exemptions and benefits.  

What is Included In Your Nursing Home Care Cost? 

A nursing home might be a better option for you if you have a condition or disability that frequently requires nursing care. There will always be a licenced nurse on duty. Although it must suit your needs, you are free to select the type of nursing home you want.

Boarding with a dedicated bed:  you will move to the nursing home and have your bed. 

Laundry service: this is an assisted service and includes laundry service for your clothes and bedsheets.  
Therapeutic activities:  only those that are imperative for daily living, such as nursing and care, are included. 

GP and medication fees: All medical needs and GP fees for critical care are exempt from the cost of care. They are usually covered by a medical card, however, without the card in place, family members need to step in.

What Is Not Covered Under The Cost of Care?

Now coming down to the points that you’d have to fund for yourself. You can use the money that is exempt from the financial assessment or cost of care contribution. Otherwise, family members have to step in. Below are some of the life needs that are not covered under the scheme: 

Wellness therapy: any therapy or treatment that is not considered “critical care.” It includes physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or wellness programmes. You may get some nursing care to assist you with for daily needs. 

Personal care: hairdressing, grooming and other critical care needs are not supported. You will also have to arrange your own personal care products, like shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etcetera. 

Recreation: newspapers, magazines, TV and other recreational activities are not paid for. If your nursing home does offer a TV for free, it is an added benefit. Otherwise, you will have to arrange it or pay for it. 

Transport: while visiting family or doctors, the fair deal scheme will not pay for transportation. 
Exemptions under the Fair Deal Scheme 

The first €36,000 is exempt from the calculation of finances and cost of care. This money doubles for couples, which is €72,000. You can use this as your own security and to fund your personal needs while living in a nursing home that is not covered by the scheme. 

The 3-year cap now applies to homeowners and farm owners. If you own any of these, then you only have to pay the annual 7.5% on the value of the property for 3 years. This exemption also extends to the proceeds of the sale of the house, after the 3-year tenure. 

When Is The Right Time To Apply ?

Up to six months are allowed to apply for the Fair Deal-Nursing Home Support Scheme before it must be taken up. If not, applications may be submitted again at that time. We advise you to apply for the programme as soon as you believe you or a family member will not be able to get care at home.

Friday, April 5, 2024

The Basics One Needs to Know About the Fair Deal Scheme in Cork

The fair deal scheme in Cork is officially better known as thenursing home support scheme in Cork.” It is designed to provide financial support to people requiring nursing home care for the long term.

However, the problem is that there are several rules and regulations that one needs to follow while applying for the fair deal scheme. For example, first, let’s get to know the basics of the nursing home scheme in Cork, then we can navigate the application process and other details.

What Is The Fair Deal Scheme All About?

It's a government initiative that's designed to offer financial assistance to individuals needing long-term nursing home care. Individuals who cannot afford the cost of nursing home care usually seek the assistance of this scheme to obtain some financial relief for leading a better quality life. However, if you wish to navigate through the nursing home scheme, then obtaining professional advice on the fair deal scheme might help. Moreover, just by paying a nominal fee, you can get the right advice and guidance and also help with the paperwork.

Nevertheless, Here Is An Overview Of How The Scheme Works:

  • The eligibility of the individual is assessed when they are going for the fair deal scheme. The eligibility criteria are assessed by an approved assessor or a HSE (Health Service Executive).

  • The financial assessment of the individual is conducted. This is based on the care needs of the individual, and the applicant needs to contribute a part of their assets and income for the cost of care.

  • If an individual cannot pay for the financial cost of nursing home care, then the government can help. There comes into play the fair deal scheme. The HSE pays on behalf of the individual for the nursing home care.

  • If you have applied for the nursing home scheme, now you get to choose from a wide range of approved nursing homes. Select one as per your preference and needs, like the facilities, location, and quality of care. However, there is a catch. If the individual owns assets like property, then they would need to partially pay for the cost of the care by selling these assets. The good part of this contribution is that it is deferred until the death of the individual, so the HSE gets to recoup the cost from the assets.

  • The fair deal scheme in Cork conducts periodic reviews of the financial situation of the individuals, and this is done to ensure that the level of financial support that's offered by the scheme is appropriate.

  • Lastly, the fair deal scheme is pretty complex, and a layman might find things really confusing too. That's why it's necessary to seek professional help. It's highly recommended that you get help from a financial advisor or solicitor for the nursing home support scheme in Cork. However, ensure that the professional specialises in elderly law so that they can help you understand the implications of the scheme, which can impact your assets and finances.

Final words

If you think you do not require nursing home care, then we suggest that it's never too early to start planning for your peace of mind. Connecting with a professional advisor is important to navigate through the process.