A new controversy has started concerning the deflecting of fees for “extras” from the HSE to family members. These “extras” include services such as physiotherapy, chiropody, transport to hospital when needed, and toiletries.

In a letter to 30 residents of the Caryfort Nursing Home in Glenageary, Co. Dublin, the home said that it was advised by the National Treatment Purchase Fund to charge each resident up to €720 per year for such extras. It said that health service officials suggested that this be done to cover reductions in the amount of money which it receives as part of the Fair Deal scheme.

So, the Fair Deal scheme will pay out less, and the elderly have to pay more:  €720 more per year. This will be a big blow to the most vulnerable in our society, and to their families. These extras are necessary for the care of the elderly. They are not “optional extras”.

The Irish Patients Association (IPA) have said that the increased use of extra charges is an indication of the impact of health service cuts and that the “sneaky tax” is likely to be repeated across the country.

Stephen McMahon, the IPA Chairman pointed to cuts in Fair Deal payments to private nursing homes ranging from €1 to €75 per week as highlighted in a review of 50 private nursing homes in the Dublin-Wicklow region. Depending on the facility, some residents are facing increases of up to €3,600 a year in charges as the nursing homes turn to the residents to make up the shortfall. McMahon sees this as another sneaky stealth tax, introduced by the back door, without the backing of the Dáil.

For more see Irish Examiner article.