Health services for older people

  • The Home Support Service helps older people to continue living in their own homes when they need support to do so.

  • People who move into registered nursing homes may receive financial support from the HSE under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known as the Fair Deal scheme.

  • National quality standards are enforced in both public and private nursing homes by HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority. Inspection reports are available from them.

  • Tax relief is available on fees paid for nursing homes and for dependent relatives. Information on tax credits and how to apply for tax relief.

  • Some Health Service Executive (HSE) Areas in Ireland operate a scheme where older people are boarded out in private homes. Find out about the rules that apply to these arrangements and how to apply.

  • This scheme closed to new applicants from 27 October 2009.

  • Life Event Document Payments and services available to support older people who become ill or acquire a disability. Information on income supports, health care, housing, taxation and caring for someone else.
  • Life Event Document Most older and young chronically sick people can continue to live at home with HSE and family support. Information on issues around moving from home to long stay care, should it become necessary or desirable.