Fair Deal is two assessments, not one. The care needs assessment asks whether long-term nursing home care is the right option. The financial assessment works out what the person contributes and what the State contributes.
The financial side is where families most often need independent advice, especially where a family home, farm or business is involved. There are specific rules about the family home and an option for ancillary State support instead of selling property.
It is also worth asking what the nursing home charges on top of the scheme, as some costs are billed separately.
We do not rank or sell nursing home placements. Inspection reports for individual homes are published by the independent regulator.
Who it's generally for
People who need long-term nursing home care and are applying for State support towards its cost.
What it provides
- A contribution towards the cost of long-term residential care in an approved nursing home
- A care needs assessment to establish whether long-term nursing home care is appropriate
- A financial assessment that determines the person's own contribution
The eligibility and assessment caveat
Fair Deal involves both a care needs assessment and a financial assessment of income and assets, including the family home under specific rules. Thresholds, contribution rates and the treatment of assets are set officially and change. Get independent financial or legal advice before making decisions about property or savings.
What to do next
- Ask the local HSE Nursing Homes Support Office how to begin the care needs assessment
- Read the current official guidance on the financial assessment before signing anything
- Consider independent legal or financial advice, particularly where a family home, a farm or a business is involved
- Ask about the ancillary State support option if the person does not want to sell property
Documents and information worth preparing
- The person's PPS number and proof of identity
- Details of income, pensions, savings and assets, as the application requires
- Details of property ownership
- Any existing care assessments or hospital discharge letters
- Details of who holds legal authority to act, if relevant
Questions worth asking
- What does the care needs assessment involve and how long does it take?
- How will the family home be treated in the financial assessment?
- What costs are not covered by the scheme, and what will we be billed for separately?
- What happens if the preferred nursing home has no bed available?
- Can we apply while the person is still in hospital?
Official sources
We summarise. The organisations below are the authority on current rules, rates and thresholds.
- 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