Nursing Home Care Costs and Funding in Ireland 2026

The Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal)

The Nursing Home Support Scheme, commonly known as the Fair Deal Scheme, is a government initiative managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). It provides financial support to people who require long-term nursing home care in Ireland, regardless of age, though most users are over 65 years old. The scheme aims to assist with the cost of approved nursing home fees once an individual is assessed to require nursing care.

What Does the Scheme Cover?

The Fair Deal covers fees for approved nursing homes that meet certain standards established by the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). It includes assessment of nursing needs and financial resources to calculate a resident contribution towards the cost of care. The HSE handles the remaining payment directly with the nursing home.

Eligibility and Application Process

Individuals can apply for the Fair Deal Scheme once they have been assessed by a multidisciplinary team confirming the need for nursing care. The process considers medical, social, and financial factors. Assessment forms can be obtained from local health offices, and ongoing nursing need is regularly reviewed.

Resident Contributions and Financial Assessment

Means-Based Contribution

Residents contribute to nursing home fees based on their income and assets. The financial assessment takes account of income sources (pensions, savings, investments) and relevant assets.

Asset Thresholds and Exclusions

As of 2026, individuals have a threshold of €36,000 in assets (or €72,000 for couples) that is excluded from the assessment. This means these assets are disregarded when calculating contribution amounts.

Treatment of the Family Home

The resident’s principal private residence is included in the financial assessment but subject to a “3-year respite” or cap. This means the value of the home is only taken into account for up to three years of nursing home fees. After this period, the HSE will no longer seek a contribution based on the property.

Nursing Home Loan

For residents who have significant property assets but limited cash flow, a Nursing Home Loan allows the deferral of the part of the contribution related to property value. This deferred amount becomes repayable when the property is sold or transferred, typically after the resident’s death.

Income Disregards and Allowances

There are disregards depending on circumstances, such as certain social welfare payments or a standard allowance to cover day-to-day expenses. The exact amounts are periodically updated and available via the HSE.

Care Options Beyond Nursing Homes

Although the Fair Deal Scheme deals exclusively with long-term nursing home care, other elder care options exist in Ireland, including home care, assisted living, and community support services. These are generally funded separately, often through a combination of Public Health Nurse referrals, local authority services, and private arrangements.

Home Support Services

In 2026, government funding for home support has increased, supporting more people to remain living in their own homes. Services can include personal care, meal provision, physiotherapy, and domestic assistance. This option is often preferred for those with less intensive care needs or who require temporary care.

Residential Care Alternatives

Other residential care settings include assisted living facilities and community group homes, which provide varying levels of support but fall outside the Fair Deal Scheme.

Typical Costs in Ireland (2026)

When considering long-term nursing home care in Ireland, typical costs vary based on location, facility type, and level of care provided. Approximate monthly costs include:

• Basic Nursing Home Care: Around €1,200 to €1,600 – suitable for standard accommodation and basic nursing support.
• Standard Nursing Home Care: Approximately €1,600 to €2,000 – includes additional facilities such as more personalised care and better room options.
• Premium Nursing Home Care: Typically €2,000 to €2,800 – offers enhanced accommodation, specialised care services, and additional amenities.

These figures do not represent fees after Fair Deal contributions are applied, which will reduce residents’ personal outlays accordingly.

Additional Financial Supports and Tax Reliefs

There are several tax reliefs available related to medical expenses, including nursing home fees, which may provide some financial assistance to individuals or families. It is advisable to consult the Revenue Commissioners or tax professionals for the most recent applicable schemes.

Planning Considerations

Engaging in financial and care planning is important in evaluating elder care options. Considerations include future care needs, impact on family wealth, inheritance issues, and possible effects on social welfare entitlements.

Overview of Recent Funding Developments

In 2026, the Irish Government has allocated over €3 billion to older persons’ services, reflecting an increased commitment to elder care sectors. This includes additional funding for home care services, effectively enabling extended support for living at home, and resourcing for nursing home care.

The increased budget also supports recruitment to improve staffing levels in healthcare facilities, benefiting the quality of care in nursing homes and related services.

Summary

The Nursing Home Support Scheme remains a principal mechanism in Ireland for funding long-term nursing home care. Understanding the structure of the scheme, resident financial contributions, and alternative care options is essential when planning for elder care needs. Typical costs vary depending on the care and accommodation type. Government funding continues to rise, reflecting ongoing commitment to supporting the older population.

All financial and care decisions should be informed by up-to-date official guidelines and professional advice where applicable.