Vol. 463 No. 1
17 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the major crisis currently facing nursing homes in view of the insufficient amount of subvention being paid to care for the dependent elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5779/96]
27 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the concerns, if any, he has at the number of elderly people who have to sell their homes in order to obtain secure tenure in nursing homes; and the plans, if any, he has to ensure greater peace of mind for the elderly in respect of this matter. [4153/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 27 together.
The subvention scheme which accompanied the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990, came into operation on 1 September, 1993 and ensures that those most in need of care in a nursing home, and without the means to pay for it, receive assistance towards the cost. Up to 31 December 1995 a total of £31.2 million had been expended on subventions and approximately £16 million has been allocated for 1996.
The current levels of subvention are among the various aspects of the scheme which have been examined by a working group comprised of officials of my Department and the health boards, which has reviewed the operation of the Nursing Homes Act. I am aware that the group has finalised this report and I expect to receive it this week.
The Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations, 1993, under which applicants are assessed for subvention do not compel any individual to sell his or her home in order to pay for nursing home care. Indeed, when assessing an individual's means and circumstances the principal residence is treated as a special asset and is not taken into account where the house is occupied by a dependent spouse or relative. Where it is not so occupied, an income from the house is imputed, based on its notional value. In the final analysis, the disposal of an individual's house to fund nursing home fees is a private decision and a matter of consumer preference over which I, as Minister for Health, have no control.
