1,500 Applications for ‘A Fair Deal’ in Cork / Kerry - McGrath

There have been 1,500 applications under the new ‘A Fair Deal’ nursing home support scheme in Cork / Kerry since the scheme became operational last October, according to information released to Cork South Central T.D. Michael McGrath.

Deputy McGrath was also informed that the HSE estimates that in excess of 1,000 of these applications have been processed to date. €40 million has been committed by the HSE in respect of new applicants under the scheme for Cork / Kerry.

'Many families in Cork and around the country are already benefiting from this new scheme. The scheme is helping to remove real financial hardship from many individuals and families,' stated Deputy McGrath.

'It is important to point out that individuals already in receipt of subvention may opt to transfer to the new scheme or may retain their existing arrangements if they so wish. The HSE infoline is available from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm on 1850 24 1850 for any further queries on this scheme. Details are also available on the website of the Department of Health & Children, www.dohc.ie,' according to Deputy McGrath.

Deputy McGrath outlined some of the main features of the scheme:

• An elderly person will make a contribution towards the cost of their care based on their means.

• The State will pay the balance, in both public and private nursing homes.

• Family members will not have to provide cash from their own incomes to pay for care.

• The maximum charge the State will have on the elderly person’s home is 15%.

'I am pleased that the new scheme has been successfully implemented in Cork and elsewhere in the country since it came into effect on 27th October 2009,' concluded Deputy McGrath.