Independent TD Michael Collins has slammed the lack of effective Government intervention to address the ongoing crisis within the private and voluntary nursing home sector.
Deputy Collins went on to note that in the past three years, more than 900 nursing home residents’ have been displaced, causing great upset and trauma for people who are moved from their local communities:
“There is significant alarm developing with respect to the ongoing crisis in the funding of nursing home care under the fair deal scheme,” the Cork South-West deputy said.
“This has resulted in severe, sustained financial pressures in the provision of care for residents; a crisis that has only been compounded by the dramatic increase in operational costs and increasing wage costs.”
“To my mind the approach from Government and the failure to resolve the crisis is rapidly approaching a form of elder abuse. This is because of the way that the breakdown in policy and funding has directly contributed to many residents being absolutely terrified that they will be ejected from their homes.”
“These are residents with high and complex dependency needs. The last thing they need is to be subjected to the kind of uncertainty that is occurring at the moment.”
“Do we really have to wait until another 30 nursing homes close, as has already happened over the past three years along with the loss of 915 resident beds.”
“These are traumatic and highly distressing events for all concerned, including staff, management and families.”
“In that regard I want to pay tribute to nursing homes throughout west Cork, in Skibbereen, Bantry, Drumalee, Clonakilty, Kinsale and Belgooly, which give the best service they can to people.”
“These are vital local healthcare and employment providers. One nursing home in west Cork employs 65 staff. I urge the Government to act as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Collins.