Individuals who are involved in providing nursing home services might be interested in a new fund on offer from AIB. The bank has set aside £50 million to support the development of the Irish nursing home sector to part-finance capital investment in nursing homes with a minimum loan of £20,000. The funds will be subject to normal lending criteria and will be offered at a rate of interest of between 7 per cent and 7.5 per cent. The initiative is in response to the expected upsurge in demand for nursing home services in the Irish economy over the next 30 years. Research has estimated that the number of people aged over 65 will rise by 290,000 by the year 2026, while life expectancy is also rising, with the population aged over 80 due to double over the same time period. For those interested in getting involved in the sector or expanding their current activities, AIB, together with accountants, BDO Simpson Xavier and Carroll & Associates, have issued a guide to the sector which explains the tax breaks and allowances that apply to nursing homes and legislative requirements. They do stress that such ventures should not be seen as pure investment opportunities. Putting money into a nursing home involves a significant up-front capital investment and a relatively long-term pay back. The primary concerns of a nursing home operator should be the provision of quality care, respect for the dignity and individuality of the residents while also running a viable business, the guide states.