Nursing home run at loss over ‘fair deal’ scheme

ONE of the country’s largest care homes for the elderly is operating at a significant loss because of controversial new Government funding arrangements.

St Luke’s Home in Cork city has revealed that it is operating at 17% below break-even point after almost a year of negotiation with the Health Service Executive on the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme – the so-called Fair Deal scheme.

The home is now being forced to dip into its charitable arm to help maintain high standards of care. And it is also considering setting up a special foundation to redress the balance.