The complexity of long-term care financing and the popular consideration of the Fair Deal Scheme continue to create a complex environment for many families. There is tons of content available on the internet, but nothing that specifically addresses their key concerns and nuances.

Fair Deal Advice is a Fair Deal Scheme advisory firm in Ireland that provides personalised assistance and a protected environment for new applicants and existing users of the scheme. Established by specialist accountant and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA), Tom Murray, the firm is now one of Ireland's top dedicated Fair Deal Scheme consultancies that has helped hundreds of applicants for over a decade.

A frequent contributor to national discourse, Tom Murray is a familiar voice in major publications such as the Irish Independent and the Irish Farmers Journal. His expertise is often sought to demystify the "Fair Deal", a scheme that, while essential, is frequently described by families as an administrative and financial labyrinth.

Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Care

For many, the need for Tom Murray’s services arises during a crisis—specifically when a loved one is transitioning from an acute hospital setting to long-term residential care.

"The transition from a hospital bed to a nursing home is one of the most high-pressure environments a family can face," says Tom Murray. "Hospitals are under immense pressure to free up beds, and families are often handed a 30-page application form and told to make life-changing financial decisions in a matter of days. My role is to step into that gap, provide a steady hand, and ensure that the family’s assets—often the result of a lifetime of hard work—are protected."

Key Insights: Why Families Seek Tom Murray’s Advice

Through years of assisting applicants, Murray has identified several "essential" areas where families often stumble without professional guidance:

The Nuance of Asset Valuation: Many families over-calculate their contribution by not understanding which deductions are allowable. Murray ensures that every possible relief, from medical expenses to property-specific outgoings, is utilised to lower the weekly cost of care.

The 3-Year Cap Mastery: While the 3-year cap on the principal private residence is well-known, applying it correctly—especially in cases of "Right of Residence" or complex deeds—requires a specialist eye.

The Nursing Home Loan (Ancillary State Support): Murray provides critical advice on whether to opt for the loan scheme. For many, this is the only way to avoid selling a family home, but the legal implications of the HSE "charging order" require clear, unbiased explanation.

Protection for Farmers and Business Owners: One of Murray’s most impactful areas of work involves the Irish Farmers Journal community. Recent changes to the Fair Deal mean that family farms can now qualify for the 3-year cap under specific conditions. Murray’s deep understanding of these legislative shifts has saved multi-generational farms from being liquidated to pay for care.

A Voice for the Family

Unlike many institutional advisors, Tom Murray operates as a 100% independent consultant. His focus is not on the HSE or the nursing homes, but on the applicant and their next of kin.

"I often see families who are terrified that the Fair Deal will take everything they’ve built," Murray explains. "One of the most helpful things I provide is the 'Financial Road Map.' Before a single form is sent to the HSE, we sit down and calculate exactly what the cost will be. Knowledge is the best antidote to the anxiety of a hospital discharge. When a family knows their maximum liability, they can focus on what really matters: the dignity and comfort of their loved one."

Expert Advocacy in the National Media

Tom Murray’s status as a specialist Fair Deal Scheme consultant in Ireland is bolstered by his frequent media appearances. He is frequently referred to as the "go-to" expert when explaining how policy changes, like the recent updates on rental income from vacant homes, impact the average person. His ability to translate "HSE-speak" into plain English has made him an invaluable resource for the Irish public.
About Tom Murray and Fair Deal Advice

Tom Murray’s Fair Deal Advice offers comprehensive, independent, and unbiased support for individuals navigating the Nursing Home Support Scheme. Based in Ireland, the consultancy serves clients nationwide, offering everything from initial financial assessments to full application management and long-term estate planning advice.

For families currently navigating a hospital discharge or those planning for the future, Tom Murray offers a clear path through the complexities of the Fair Deal Scheme.

For more details https://fairdealadvice.ie/