Irish Family Carer Advisory Hub
HSE Funding & Advice for Home Care in Ireland
Before paying privately for home care, find out whether HSE Home Support may be available for you or your loved one.
Med Clinic Care provides general information and guidance to help individuals and families understand available HSE home support services, application processes and potential funding arrangements. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process. Med Clinic Care is an independent organisation and is not part of the HSE. This information is provided for general guidance only. Please refer to the official HSE website or contact the HSE directly for confirmation of eligibility, funding and available services.
Important Advisory Notice: Med Clinic Care provides general information and guidance to help individuals and families understand available HSE home support services, application processes and potential funding arrangements. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process. Med Clinic Care is an independent organisation and is not part of the HSE. This information is provided for general guidance only. Please refer to the official HSE website or contact the HSE directly for confirmation of eligibility, funding and available services.
Who may be able to access HSE Home Support?
Older People
Seniors requiring help with daily tasks to maintain independence in their own home.
Living With Dementia
Individuals diagnosed with dementia needing specialized cognitive and safety support.
People With Disabilities
Those with physical or sensory disabilities requiring specialized home assistance.
From Hospital
Patients needing a safe recovery plan and transitional support after a hospital stay.
Significant Care Needs
Adults with chronic illnesses or conditions requiring high-level daily clinical assistance.
There is significant demand for Home Support in Ireland
60,000+
People receiving Home Support in HSE national reporting
55,000+
People living with dementia in Ireland according to HSE dementia guidance
Note: These figures reflect total support volumes reported by the HSE. They do not indicate that a particular household or individual will qualify for funding. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process.
Consumer Directed Home Support (CDHS)
Note: CDHS is purely for Home Support and cannot be used for nursing home or residential care funding.
Weekly Funding: The HSE provides a weekly budget which carers or families use to book home support hours directly.
Approved Providers: Families can choose their own home care agency from an official HSE-approved provider list.
Direct Billing: The HSE pays the approved provider directly for all allocated support hours provided.
No Extra Fees: There are no top-up fees or extra costs for hours that fall within the funded HSE allocation.
Private Hours: Any support required beyond the agreed weekly HSE funding allocation may be paid for privately.
Fair Deal vs Home Support
HSE Home Support
The Home Support Service is designed to help eligible people remain living at home. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process. Med Clinic Care can provide information and guidance, but we are not part of the HSE and cannot guarantee eligibility or funding.
Fair Deal Scheme
Fair Deal is the Nursing Home Support Scheme. It provides financial support towards approved long-term nursing home care. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process. Med Clinic Care can provide information and guidance, but we are not part of the HSE and cannot guarantee eligibility or funding.
Other supports worth asking about
Carer’s Support Grant
An annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care.
Carer’s Allowance / Carer’s Benefit
Weekly income support payments for individuals providing care at home.
Carer’s Leave
A statutory entitlement for employees to take leave from work to provide full-time care.
Tax Relief on Home Care
Up to 40% tax relief may be available on the cost of employing a career or agency.
VAT Exemption
VAT is not charged on professional home care services provided to the elderly or infirm.
Could HSE Home Support be an option?
Does your loved one require assistance with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, or eating?
Yes
No
Not sure
Has your loved one recently returned from a hospital stay and requires recovery support?
Yes
No
Not sure
Is your loved one living with a chronic condition or physical disability that impacts daily life?
Yes
No
Not sure
Are you looking for support to help a family member remain living independently at home?
Yes
No
Not sure
Does the person requiring care have significant or complex needs assessed by a healthcare professional?
Yes
No
Not sure
Is specialized support needed due to a dementia diagnosis or cognitive impairment?
Yes
No
Not sure
Note: Your answers do not determine HSE eligibility or funding. They are intended to help you think about the person’s needs and identify questions to discuss with the HSE or a healthcare professional. Eligibility, approval and the level of support available are determined by the HSE following the relevant assessment and approval process.
Official HSE Resources
These links go to official HSE information and are provided for general guidance only. Med Clinic Care is an independent organisation and is not part of the HSE. Please refer to the official HSE website or contact the HSE directly for confirmation of eligibility, funding and available services.