The Treasury Minister has explained how nursing homes are identified for social security assessments.
The clarification followed a written Tynwald question from Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson.
Minister Chris Thomas said the Regulation of Care Act 2013 no longer distinguishes between traditional “nursing homes” and residential care homes, with both now falling under the broader term adult care home.
Income support regulations therefore rely on definitions within that Act rather than a fixed list of named premises.
Different Providers
For income support claimants living in care homes, the amount of financial help available depends on whether the home is operated by Manx Care or an independent provider.
Manx Care homes have fixed prescribed rates, while independent homes are assessed against the lower of their weekly charge or the amount set out in Schedule 4 of the regulations.
An adjudication officer may set a different weekly amount if a resident has exceptional care needs, supported by evidence such as a social worker’s assessment.
Minister Thomas also confirmed that residents who meet the criteria may receive a standard nursing care contribution, which is counted as income when calculating income support entitlement.
The full written answer can be found here.
