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Do I have to pay for nursing home care?

There are no free nursing home beds in Ireland. Everyone must pay something towards the cost of their care. That cost is determined by an assessment of your means by the HSE once your care needs assessment determines that you would benefit from long term nursing home care.

There are two ways of paying for nursing home care, one through the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), and the second is by paying a private nursing home the full cost of your care directly. If you are successful with your application for the NHSS, the HSE will assist with the cost of the nursing home. If you choose to go privately, then either you or someone on your behalf will have to pay the full cost of the nursing home.