How much should we pay for long-term care?
There needs to be more discussion on what level of additional taxation is appropriate to pay for our long-term care.
The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care suggests that an increase in PRSI rates of 2.1% (about €11 per week for the average worker) would be sufficient to provide significantly for state-funded long-term care (either in the home or in nursing homes) over the next 50 years.
It is suggested that these funds could go towards the cost of nursing home care or home-based care.
Many people feel they pay too much tax. Depending on which measurement you use, Ireland is either a moderately low or particularly low taxed nation compared to most EU states. There is an inbuilt bias towards funding nursing home care at the expense of a comprehensive system of home and community-based supports.
The national heath strategy 2001 supported the development of primary care teams. To date only ten have been set up. Care Alliance support organisations concerned with carers’ needs, and the realisation of choice in relation to how their loved ones are best cared for.
Liam O’Sullivan
National Development Officer
Care Alliance Ireland
30/31 Lr Camden Street
Dublin 2
