Changes to not-so-Fair Deal legislation will bear close scrutiny

Scheme set for overhaul

The costs of nursing home care can be huge, with weekly rates exceeding €1,200 in many cases, topping out at over €60,000 per year. Picture: iStock. 

The Fair Deal scheme, known officially as the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is set for an overhaul, with legislation currently going through the Oireachtas for approval.

The existing scheme is seen as being far from fair, given that those who have worked hard to build up assets or pensions can be hit with significant nursing home fees in later years.