State 'should pay nursing home fees but not from public purse'

AROUND half the population want the State to pay for nursing home fees - but do not want taxes or PRSI increased to cover the cost, a new study revealed yesterday.

The Economic and Social Research Institute report also found the vast majority of people would prefer to be cared for in their own home, by family or friends.

With the number of people aged 65 and over set to double in the next 30 years, the ESRI found few of us are willing to pay for our long-term care in old age.