HSE Press
Friday, 9 February 2024
The HSE has published its annual updated cost of providing care in its public residential care centres for older people. The cost of care at public Nursing Homes/Community Nursing Units is calculated annually by the HSE and implemented as part of the funding process for Public Units under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) Act 2009.
In 2024, the paid cost of care, per bed, per week is €1,865. This is an increase from €1,846 in 2023. The cost of care was set at the 2023 paid rate, plus the pay increases for public servants awarded in 2023, as per the Building Momentum pay agreement.
These costs apply to the operating costs of providing care in these centres. They do not relate to the amount a person will pay towards their care under the NHSS (Fair Deal).
The amount a person pays towards the cost of their nursing home care under the NHSS (Fair Deal) is calculated based on the value of their assets and income when they apply for nursing home care. This calculation follows the requirements of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.
It is acknowledged that there are variations in the cost of care across public centres, as well as across private nursing homes, with public nursing homes generally having a higher cost of care.
A number of factors contribute to these costs including:
- reductions in the number of long-stay public beds in public nursing homes/Community Nursing Units to comply with HIQA residential care standards, while fixed costs such as lighting, heating and maintenance costs have increased
- public nursing homes generally have higher ratios of nursing and other staff in place than private nursing homes
- rates of pay and leave entitlements in public sector are higher than in private sector
View or download the updated cost of care for public nursing homes: Nursing Homes Support Scheme Cost of Care 2024
Last updated on: 09 / 02 / 2024
