HSE to push home care deal

THE HSE is set to radically alter the Fair Deal nursing home funding scheme to encourage elderly people to take home care packages instead of entering the facilities.

The plan will be implemented to save the state money without cutting back on quality of care, and may result in some public nursing homes shutting down or downsizing.

The Irish Examiner understands the HSE’s National Service Plan, which acts as the system’s annual budget, will outline the move in an attempt to offer increased value to the taxpayer.