Nursing home fees - help on the way?

There could soon be some respite for people who have to pay for their own nursing home care in the Isle of Man.

Next week the Department of Health and Social Security will ask Tynwald to approve an increase in financial assistance for those who have to use their savings to pay for care.

The plan is to increase the money available to £100 a week over the next two years.

DHSS Minister Eddie Teare (pictured) says this will bring the Island into line with what's provided in England and Wales.

However he's warning nursing home operators that it shouldn't be used as an excuse to increase their fees.

The cost of the scheme is expected to be £300,000 in the current financial year, doubling to £600,000 next year and rising to £1 million in 2010.