New funding for care of elderly

Minister for Health Mary Harney has announced details of how the State proposes to take care of the elderly in the future. From January 1, 2008 all elderly people assessed as "high dependency" will be entitled to care in a nursing home, largely at State expense. All nursing home residents will, however, be required to contribute up to 80% of their disposable income. Where this does not meet the cost of the care, and it won't for those on the State pension, a further deduction will be made from those who can afford it. This will be based on the value of the person's house and will amount to 5% per year for a maximum of three years. This payment will only be demanded after death, on the disposal of the estate. Where a dependent relative continues to live in the house the payment will be deferred.
In making the announcement Ms Harney acknowledged that most elderly people prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. To facilitate this she committed to improving the system of home care currently in place.
Ms Harney saw the proposals as a radical improvement on what exists today, where some people have their nursing home costs taken care of by the State while others have to sell their homes and depend on the generosity of relatives.
While many people welcomed the proposals as an important advance on the current inequitable situation, some sections of the media attacked Ms Harney, using the most intemperate language. The tabloid Irish Daily Star was criticised by politicians in the Seanad for its headline "Mary the Blood Sucker".