In Ireland, there are several government grants and supports available to assist individuals who wish to age in place. Aging in place refers to older adults who wish to remain in their own homes as they grow older. These programs aim to improve the quality of life for older adults, enhance their independence, and ensure they have access to the care and services they need.
Below is a list of key grants and supports available for older adults in Ireland:
1. Housing Aid for Older People Grant
- Purpose: This grant is designed to help elderly people living in privately owned homes to carry out essential repairs or adaptations, allowing them to continue living independently at home. The grant can be used for repairs such as repairing or replacing a roof, repairing or replacing windows or upgrading electrical wiring.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be over 66 years old and those who are living in poor housing conditions.
- Application: Find out more information at Citizens Information.. Application form is available here
2. Mobility Aids Grant Scheme
- Purpose: This scheme is designed to help older people with the cost of purchasing mobility aids to assist them in staying mobile and independent in their homes. This can include basic changes to the home such as: Grab rails, ramps or a stair-lift.
- Eligibility: Available to older adults, or those with disabilities.
- Application: Find out more information at Citizens Information.
Application form is available here
3. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
- Purpose: The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is a grant you can get if you have a physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability. It provides funding so you can improve how you enter and move around your home.
- This can include extending the home to make more space, adding accessible bathroom facilities or adding space for wheelchair access.
4. Home Care Packages
- Purpose: The Home Care Packages scheme provides a range of supports to help older people who wish to continue living at home rather than moving into long-term care. These packages are tailored to the individual's needs and can include personal care, help with daily living tasks, and respite care for caregivers.
- Eligibility: People over 65 who are assessed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as needing home care support.
- Support Provided: The level of support depends on the individual’s needs and may include home visits from health professionals, personal care, domestic assistance, and respite care.
- Application: Referrals are made through the local HSE offices or through a GP.
5. Free Travel Pass
- Purpose: The Free Travel Pass allows elderly individuals over the age of 66 to travel on public transport (bus, train, and DART) for free within Ireland. This scheme helps elderly individuals maintain their independence and mobility.
- Eligibility: All people aged 66 and over who are resident in Ireland.
- Application: Further information can be found on the Free Travel Scheme here.
Free Travel is also available for those who have been declared as medically certified as unfit to drive.
6. Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit
- Purpose: These are financial supports for individuals who provide full-time care for someone aged 65 or older (or anyone with a disability). These benefits help family caregivers by providing financial assistance.
- Eligibility: The person receiving care must be over 65 and need full-time assistance. Carers must meet certain conditions, including living with the person they care for.
- Support Provided: Carer's Allowance is a means-tested payment, while Carer's Benefit is a social insurance payment. Both can provide significant financial help to those providing care.
- Application: More information can be found on Carer’s Allowance at Citizens Information.
7. Community and Voluntary Supports
There are various charity organisations throughout Ireland that provide support for those wishing to age in place. We’ve outlined some of these charity and voluntary organisations below.
- Age Friendly Ireland work across a number of areas across Ireland to support the delivery and access to Age Friendly Homes for Older People in Ireland. They also offer a wide range of programmes such as the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme
- Age Action Ireland: Helps older people stay in homes by offering DIY services in people's homes and offers training on vital topics such as ageism in the workplace and the needs of older learners.
- Ageinginplace.ie: Bathroom & stairlift company servicing all of Ireland, also provides information on available funding and grants.
- ALONE: Provides support with befriending, connection and offer the opportunity for family members to make referrals for relatives.
8. Tax Relief for Carers (CARERS Tax Credit)
- Purpose: The tax credit offers financial relief to individuals who provide care for a dependent person. This can help family members or other caregivers who support an elderly individual in aging in place.
- Eligibility: Available to anyone who provides full-time care to a person with a disability, or an elderly person who requires assistance with daily activities.
- Application: Find out more information at Citizens Information.
These programs and supports can significantly enhance the ability of older people to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.
For more detailed information or to apply for these services, elderly individuals or their caregivers should contact the relevant government bodies, such as the HSE, Department of Social Protection, or local authorities.
If you are interested in finding out more about care at home solutions like HaloCare, you can get in touch with a member of our team today.