Home care affordability is a significant concern for many families across Ireland. Knowing what financial support is available can make a meaningful difference in accessing quality care for loved ones at home.
The Fair Deal Scheme and various tax relief options offer pathways to more affordable home care.
Comfort Keepers proudly supports individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities, in remaining comfortably and safely in their own homes.
What is the Fair Deal Scheme?
The Fair Deal Scheme is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for long-term nursing home care. Currently, it does not extend to in-home care services.
This scheme assesses an individual’s ability to contribute to their care costs and offers support to cover the remaining expenses, helping families find more accessible options for home care.
For detailed information on the scheme, you can visit the Citizens Information page on the Fair Deal Scheme.
What Does the Fair Deal Cover?
The Fair Deal Scheme provides financial support for essential long-term nursing home costs, covering accommodation, basic nursing care, and daily personal care assistance. This support ensures residents receive core services vital to their comfort and well-being.
What Costs Are Not Covered?
The Fair Deal Scheme excludes certain personal expenses, like hairdressing, social outings, therapies, and extra amenities. Identifying these uncovered costs allows families to budget effectively and maintain comprehensive, individualised care for their loved ones.
Applying the Fair Deal Scheme to Homecare
While the Fair Deal Scheme does not cover home care services, Comfort Keepers offers guidance on alternative funding options and assists families in understanding available support for in-home care.
Who Qualifies for the Fair Deal Scheme?
Eligibility for the Fair Deal Scheme is based on several criteria, including age, residency, and care needs. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Age and Residency Requirements
Applicants must be ordinarily residents of Ireland, meaning they have lived in the country for at least a year or intend to live there for at least a year.
Care Needs Assessment
A Health Service Executive (HSE) healthcare professional conducts a care needs assessment to determine if long-term nursing home care is the most appropriate option. This assessment evaluates the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and their current use of health and personal social services.
Financial Assessment
The financial assessment calculates the applicant’s contribution towards care costs based on income and assets. Applicants contribute:
- 80% of their assessable income
- 7.5% of the value of any assets per annum
The first €36,000 of assets for a single person (€72,000 for a couple) is excluded from the assessment. The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of care.
Considerations for Couples
For couples, the financial assessment considers half of the combined income and assets. The contribution is calculated as:
- 40% of the couple’s combined assessable income
- 3.75% of the couple’s combined assets per annum
The first €72,000 of assets is excluded from the assessment. The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of care.
For further guidance on the application process, required forms, and document submission, visit the HSE Fair Deal application page.
What Tax Relief Options Are Available for Homecare Costs?
Various tax relief options help reduce the financial burden of home care, making it more affordable for families across Ireland.
These reliefs include claims on medical expenses, the Home Carer Tax Credit, and tax reliefs for employing a home carer, each of which can be significant in making quality home care accessible.
Eligibility for Tax Relief on Medical Expenses
Individuals can claim tax relief on specific medical expenses incurred for homecare services.
Eligible expenses include payments to doctors, nurses, and certain therapies prescribed by a medical practitioner. This relief allows families to reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with necessary medical care at home.
For a full list of eligible expenses, see Revenue’s guide on Health and Age tax relief options.
Tax Relief for Employing a Home Carer
Families who directly employ a home carer for a dependent relative may be entitled to tax relief on the associated costs.
The relief is available at the highest rate of income tax paid, up to a maximum of €75,000 per annum. This provision helps offset the expenses of hiring a carer, making homecare more financially manageable.
Claiming Relief on Home Modifications for Accessibility
Expenses incurred in modifying a home to accommodate a person with a disability may qualify for tax relief.
Qualifying modifications include the installation of stair lifts, ramps, or accessible bathrooms. These adaptations create a safer and more comfortable living environment, and the associated costs can be claimed to reduce the overall tax liability.
For further details on claiming relief, visit the Citizens Information page on tax relief for employing a home carer.
Choosing Public, Private, or Voluntary Care
Selecting the right type of care is a significant decision. Knowing the differences between public, private, and voluntary care options helps families choose the best fit.
- Public vs. private nursing home costs and services – Costs and services can vary between public and private nursing homes. Comfort Keepers provides high-quality private care services, offering flexibility and personalised support.
- Voluntary care options – Voluntary care options may provide additional support through community resources. We help integrate these options into a comprehensive care plan.
- Considerations for families choosing between care types – Each family’s situation is unique. Comfort Keepers assists in evaluating all factors to make an informed decision that prioritises your loved one’s well-being.
Contact Comfort Keepers for Personalised Support
Comfort Keepers Ireland provides information on various funding options for homecare services, including HSE-funded care, tax relief, and self-funding.
These resources can assist families in exploring affordable homecare solutions beyond the Fair Deal Scheme. For detailed guidance, please visit:
- HSE Funded Care – Information on accessing homecare services funded by the Health Service Executive.
- Other State-Funded Care – Guidance on additional government support such as Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, and the Carer’s Support Grant.
- Tax Relief– Guidance on claiming tax relief for homecare expenses.
- Self-Funding– Insights into private payment options for homecare services.
You can also feel free to contact us for more information on our home care services, to schedule a personalised consultation, or for assistance in exploring the Fair Deal Scheme and tax relief options. Together, we can find affordable, high-quality care tailored to your loved one’s needs.
