Get a Fair Deal with costs of care homes for elderly

The realisation that an elderly relative can no longer be cared for properly at home can be a difficult time for both the individual involved and their families. Choosing the right nursing home can feel overwhelming but there is help available for families making the important decision, writes Grainne McGuinness.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the authority responsible for nursing homes in Ireland and all of them, whether public, voluntary or private, are registered and inspected by them. Their Older Persons Register on www.hiqa.ie lists all providers and you can search by county to find a home in your area. You can click through to get detailed information on any home you are interested in. In addition to contact details you can find out the patient numbers and read recent HIQA reports on the home.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) strongly advise you visit any nursing home you are considering. HIQA have a list of helpful questions to ask, including whether residents have a choice of what and when to eat every day. Depending on the resident’s mobility, it may be important to find out how free they are to come and go.