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.
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.
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