"The Fair Deal means test examines all income and assets when assessing nursing-home support. The family home can be disregarded from the means test if a spouse or a permanently resident dependent adult requires the home as their principal residence and is financially or physically dependent on the person entering the nursing home. Any transfers of property or interests made to avoid a charge can be investigated and may be treated as deprivation of assets."
"Legal protections such as granting a life interest, creating a properly structured trust, or formalising occupancy rights for the disabled adult can help preserve the home. Such arrangements must be established well before any application and documented clearly. Professional advice from a solicitor experienced in elder law and social welfare, together with a financial adviser or the local Health Service Executive office, is essential to ensure the home is protected and that any steps do not unintentionally trigger a charge."
Fair Deal assesses both income and assets when calculating nursing-home contributions. The family home is normally included in the means test but can be disregarded if a spouse or a permanently resident dependent adult lives there and is financially or physically dependent on the applicant. Transfers of property to avoid charges can be scrutinised and treated as deprivation, potentially undoing attempts to shelter assets. Legal mechanisms such as life interests, trusts, or formal occupancy agreements can protect the home if properly drafted and implemented in good time. Obtain specialist legal and financial advice to plan and document any protection.
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