Increased tax relief for elderly home care

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has announced an increased tax relief measure to help families to look after an incapacitated elderly relative in their home by employing a nurse or carer.

The new tax measure has the potential to free up beds in nursing homes and should also relieve pressure on hospitals by allowing some of the 800 delayed discharge patients to return home, according to Mr Noonan.

The amendment to the Finance Act by Minister Noonan will raise the level of tax relief available to employ a professional nurse or carer in the home from €50,000 to €75,000 per annum.

“This is a sensible and effective tax measure which will make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s nearly always preferable to care for an elderly relative in the home. That’s why the State provides tax relief for people to employ a nurse or carer in the home,” commented Health Minister, Leo Varadkar.

His departmental colleague, Minister Kathleen Lynch said, “Tax relief at the top rate can currently be claimed up to €50,000 per annum. By increasing this to €75,000, there should be three positive results:

· It would allow families to continue to care for incapacitated elderly relatives within their own home;

· It should free up nursing home beds which could then be used for others currently on a waiting list;

· And it should also relieve pressure on hospitals as a proportion of the 800 delayed discharge patients from hospitals could be cared for in their homes if their families had some further assistance.”