Nursing Home Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
If you or a family member needs long-term residential care, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme ("Fair Deal") helps pay for it:
- You pay a contribution based on your income and assets (typically 80% of income and 7.5% of assets per year, with a 3-year cap on the principal private residence).
- The State pays the balance of the cost directly to the nursing home.
- All nursing homes (public and private) must be registered with HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) and meet national standards.
- Residents have the right to dignity, privacy, autonomy, and participation in their own care.
When does it apply?
- You need long-term residential care in a nursing home — public, private, or voluntary.
- A needs assessment (CSAR — Common Summary Assessment Report) must confirm that you need nursing home care.
- A financial assessment determines your contribution.
- The scheme covers approved nursing homes nationwide — you can choose your preferred home, subject to availability.
What should you do?
- Apply for Fair Deal through the HSE — forms are available at hse.ie or from the nursing home.
- Get a financial advisor or solicitor to review the financial assessment, especially regarding property and assets.
- Visit the nursing home and check its HIQA inspection reports at hiqa.ie.
- If you have a complaint about care, raise it with the nursing home's complaints officer or contact HIQA.
- A nursing home contract must be provided before admission — read it carefully and get advice if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't rush into a decision — explore home care options (Home Support Scheme) before residential care.
- Don't sign a contract you don't understand — get independent advice, especially about fees, charges, and the complaints process.
- Don't assume all nursing homes are the same — HIQA inspection reports vary widely. Read them before choosing.
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