How much should we pay for long-term care?

THE Government decision to offer a refund of up to €2,000 to those aged 70 and over who have part-funded their nursing home care reflects the lack of a consistent strategy in relation to the financing of 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.