§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance is available from the Department of Health and Social Services for elderly people resident in private nursing homes.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 7 June 1988]: Patients in private nursing homes whose capital does not exceed £6,000 may have their income including, for example, retirement pension and attendance allowance, supplemented by income support up to a maximum of £230 a week, depending on the type of care involved, to enable them to contribute to the cost of their maintenance. A personal expenses allowance of £9.55 a week is also payable.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional financial assistance is available from the Department of Health and Social Services for elderly people currently resident in private nursing homes where the fees are in excess of the assistance currently available under income support regulations, particularly in areas where there are no beds available in area health board nursing homes.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 7 June 1988]: None. However, health and social services boards have general responsibility for the welfare of persons in need including the accommodation needs of those elderly people who are unable to meet the financial charges for private nursing home care.