It is two assessments
The care needs assessment considers whether long-term nursing home care is the appropriate option. The financial assessment establishes what the person contributes towards the cost and what the State contributes.
Both have to happen. Families sometimes focus entirely on the money and are surprised by the care needs stage, or vice versa.
The financial side is where advice pays for itself
We deliberately do not publish thresholds, contribution percentages or time limits here, because they change. Get the current position from the official scheme information and, where property is involved, from an independent solicitor or financial adviser.
- Income and assets are both considered, under rules set officially
- There are specific rules about how the family home is treated
- An option exists for State support to be deferred against property rather than the property being sold
- Farms and businesses have their own considerations
Costs the scheme may not cover
Ask any nursing home for a written schedule of charges that fall outside the scheme, and what they cover. This is one of the most common sources of unexpected cost for families.
Before you decide
- Ask whether more support at home has genuinely been explored
- Consider a short stay or respite before a permanent decision, if that is possible
- Check who holds legal authority to make decisions and sign documents
- Read the independent regulator's inspection reports for any home you are considering
What we do not do
We do not place people in nursing homes, rank homes, or accept referral fees. This guide exists to help you navigate the scheme, not to sell you a bed.
Sources
- HSE — Nursing Homes Support Scheme — Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Fair Deal)
Open the official source - Citizens Information Board — Citizens Information — older people and carers
Open the official source - HIQA — Inspection reports for designated centres for older people
Open the official source
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.