Searching for the right nursing home can be incredibly stressful for families — and unfortunately, it’s only getting harder. With growing demand for nursing home beds across Ireland, the process is expected to become even more challenging in the coming years.
The recent RTÉ Investigates programme highlighted just how tough it can be to find suitable care, and some of the key concerns families face along the way. Here are a few important things to consider when reviewing your options:
Audited Reports
Every nursing home gets checked by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) at least once a year. The reports from these inspections are available to the public and can give you a good idea of the quality of care in each place.
It’s a good idea to look over them before choosing a nursing home, they’re posted online and will point out any issues or concerns.
Availability
This is the biggest issue many of my clients face. A lot of care homes have waiting lists and these lists are only getting longer. That’s why it’s so important to start the process early and get professional advice to help you navigate it.
Additional Costs
The Fair Deal Scheme only covers basic bed and board. Most nursing homes charge extra fees — often referred to as a “social charge” or “activities charge” — which can range from €25 to €250 per week.
Services like physiotherapy, hairdressing, or transport (e.g. taxis) often come with additional costs as well, so be sure to factor these in when budgeting.
Need Professional Help?:
We provide professional help in finding a perfect nursing home for your needs and also we provide fair deal advice .
📞 You can contact us for expert guidance.




