Costs, in writing
- What is charged in addition to what the scheme covers, itemised?
- How and when do charges change?
- What happens to the room and the charge if the person goes into hospital?
Staffing and daily life
- How many staff are on at night, and how many residents?
- How often do residents get outside?
- What happens between 6pm and 10pm — the hardest part of the day for many families?
- How is a resident supported to keep their own routine?
Health and communication
- Which GP attends, and how are medication reviews handled?
- How and when would you contact us if something changed?
- How are concerns or complaints handled, and by whom?
Before signing
- Read the contract of care, including notice periods
- Read the most recent independent inspection report
- Visit twice, once unannounced if permitted, and at a different time of day
Sources
- HIQA — Inspection reports for designated centres for older people
Open the official source - HSE — Nursing Homes Support Scheme — Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Fair Deal)
Open the official source
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.