Draft guidance on the implementation of free care in nursing homes has been issued for consultation....
Draft guidance on the implementation of free care in nursing homes has been issued for consultation.
The Government intends to end the anomaly of people paying for care in nursing homes that is provided free in other environments such as the home, in hospital, or in residential care homes.
Section 49 of the Health and Social Care Act, 2001 removes local councils' responsibility for arranging care from a registered nurse and their ability to charge for that element of care in a nursing home. This will pave the way for the Government's plan to introduce free NHS nursing care in all situations.
Health minister Jacqui Smith said: 'We are determined to make the system fairer by providing free NHS nursing care for the first time in nursing homes from 1 October. This will eliminate the anomaly of people having to pay for care that is provided free in other settings. This new system will benefit about 35,000 people who are currently paying for their nursing care from their own funds. With the implementation of free nursing care these individuals could stand to save up to £5,000 a year.'
However, Brian Fisher, long term care marketing manager at Axa, said the introduction of free nursing care would not have a huge impact on the costs that face elderly people needing long term care.
He said: 'The cost of nursing care in nursing homes is a factor but not huge. The majority of costs incurred are going to be in personal care costs and accommodation. Any contribution people can get will help and will be a step in the right direction. However, this is never going to have a great effect on the cost of long term care.'
