Ireland: state pays maximum of £124 a week for elderly care

Muiris Houston Dublin

Long term care for elderly people who are incapacitated is provided in several different ways in Ireland.

If a 74 year old woman had a stroke, for example, and required nursing home care, several options are available. She could be placed in the long stay ward of a geriatric hospital, in a welfare home, or in a district (cottage) hospital. Maintenance charges are payable. The maximum weekly rate is the patient's weekly income less an amount determined by the health board (a body similar to England's former health authorities). If the person has a spouse living at home, these charges are based on not more than 40% of their combined income. The current statutory old age pension in the republic is a124 (£80; $120) a week.

Alternatively, a bed in a private nursing home may be sought. The health boards may pay a subvention towards the cost of a nursing home if the person is sufficiently dependent on nursing home care and unable to pay part of the maintenance cost. The current maximum subvention is a190.50 a week.

In assessing means for this subvention, all sources of income, including wages, pensions, rental income, investments, and savings are included. A value of 5% of the principal residence of the person is assessed as annual income, although this may be discounted if it is occupied by a spouse or other dependant. Before 1998 the means of children were considered, but the regulations were then amended to exclude this contentious clause.

There is still a tradition of the extended family providing care for elderly people. This burden falls almost exclusively on women.

A means tested carers allowance of less than a100 a week is available but is reduced in proportion to other income.



studentBMJ 2002;10:259-302 August ISSN 0966-6494