Nursing homes will no longer be able to charge residents additional fees for extra items such as a second cup of tea, toilet paper or fruit, under a deal worked out between health insurers and care home operators.

Many homes currently charge residents extra fees for all but the very basic care even though they are fully covered by insurance.
However, homes may still charge residents for ‘special activities’ such as a day trip or washing clothes, as long as the billing is transparent and it is voluntary.
Research by Nos television last year showed some patients are being charged extra for coffee, soft drinks and snacks, others are billed for having a tv connection in their room, or having an extra shower. One patient was even charged for the disposable gloves and disinfectant used by nurses.

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Anger as nursing homes charge more for fruit