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Nursing Homes Support Scheme Oversight

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (735)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

735. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the Health Service Executive to examine the charging of a monthly flat fee for extras on top of a person's (details supplied) fair deal contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7984/14]

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Written answers

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. The Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of residential care, which are:-

- nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person,

- bed and board,

- basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living, and

- laundry service.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by participation in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or residence in a nursing home. Incontinence wear, where required, is provided free of charge by the HSE to all Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents that possess a Medical Card.

Part 8 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract with each resident within one month of their admission. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should not be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The HSE is not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.

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