Taking a place while you wait
Homes often have waiting lists. Citizens Information says that if the home you prefer has no space, the person can move into another approved home for the time being and apply for a transfer to the preferred home when a place becomes available.
The contribution does not change
The HSE says the person’s payment is the same at every approved nursing home. Moving from one approved home to another does not change the contribution, because the contribution comes from the financial assessment, not from the home’s price.
The one exception is a home whose agreed weekly price is lower than the person’s contribution. In that case the person pays that home’s price and the HSE pays nothing there. Find a nursing home shows each home’s agreed price.
Before a move
- Check the new home has a place and can meet the person’s care needs. The HSE advises visiting before choosing.
- Ask your local Nursing Homes Support Office what it needs from you before the move.
- Ask the new home for a written list of extra charges. Fair Deal does not cover hairdressing, therapies or activities, and the HSE says extra fees should be in the contract.
- Read the notice period in the current home’s contract.
- Read the new home’s latest HIQA inspection report.
Moving because care needs have changed
If the move is because the person now needs a different kind of care, talk to the current home and the Nursing Homes Support Office first. Changes in circumstances must be reported to the Nursing Homes Support Office within 10 working days. Reviews and changes in circumstances explains what counts.
Questions families ask
Can my parent move to a different nursing home?
Yes. If the preferred home has no space, the person can take a place in another approved home and apply for a transfer when a place becomes available. Ask your local Nursing Homes Support Office what it needs from you before the move.
Will the contribution change if we move?
No. The HSE says the payment is the same at every approved nursing home. The only exception is a home whose agreed price is lower than the contribution.
Does Fair Deal cover extra charges at the new home?
No. Hairdressing, therapies and activities are not covered. Get a written list of extra charges and make sure they are in the contract.
Guidance reviewed on 30 October 2026 against the sources below. fairdeal.ie is independent. The HSE decides every application.