Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1453. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will consider having a system through which families could get impartial advice on the fair deal scheme in view of its complexity, through for example, an advocacy service or some other approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13551/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS 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.
There are a number of resources available to older people and their families to assist them making a decision in respect of long-term residential care. It is advisable that all applicants and their families gather as much information about the scheme as possible and consider their personal circumstances before making an application.The HSE provide a comprehensive guide to the scheme on their own website which can be viewed by following this link: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/about/Further guidance and assistance making a Nursing Homes Support Scheme application can be obtained directly from the Nursing Home Support Office (NHSO). A contact list for local NHSOs can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/contact/Applicants may also wish to contact HSE Live, Freephone: 1800 700 700, which is open:- Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pmAll HSE employees abide by Supporting a Culture of Safety, Quality and Kindness: A Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers which was developed by the Department of Health and published in 2018. The Code of Conduct applies to all health and social service providers and individuals acting on behalf of those service providers who are subject to the terms of the Health Act 2004 to 2007 and the Mental Health Act 2001. This ensures that HSE staff must at all times act respectfully, ethically, honestly, and adhere to professional regulation and codes of professional conduct. The full text of the code of conduct can be found at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/dept-of-health-a-code-of-conduct-for-health-and-social-service-providers.pdf In addition, the Age Friendly Homes website not only contains some useful guidance but also links to other resources which can help people make an informed decision in respect of nursing home care. The Age Friendly Homes website can be viewed by following this link: agefriendlyhomes.ie/topics/age-friendly-homes/nursing-homes/
