Farmers call on Reilly to cap level of nursing home fees recouped by state

FARMERS have called on the Health Minister to cap the amount of money the state can recoup towards the cost of their nursing home care to bring it in line with the level that applies to the general population.

Under the provisions of the Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme, the cost of nursing home care of those who cannot afford to pay will be recouped from their assets including their house, after their death. In the case of a householder this reimbursement has been capped at 15% (5% per year for the first three years of nursing home care).

However, the same cap does not apply to farmland except in the case of a farmer being struck by sudden illness requiring immediate and unforeseen nursing home care. Instead, the 5% annum charge continues for the duration of the nursing home stay.