Skip to main content
Normal View

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Questions (903)

Barry Cowen

Question:

903. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons living with dementia who are availing of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19484/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

As outlined in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2019, the NHSS is expected to support on average 23,042 people in 2019.

The Department of Health does not have specific data relating to the exact number of NHSS participants that have dementia; however, An Irish National Survey of Dementia in Long Term Residential Care, which was launched in January 2015, states that in middle and high-income countries it is estimated that over 60% of the residents living in long-term care facilities have a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is characterised by multiple cognitive deficits that include memory impairment, impairment in orientation, expression, understanding, planning and execution of some or any activities of daily living.

Top
Share