Extension of Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme important measure to support nursing home residents
Friday November 6, 20205th November 2020: Nursing Homes Ireland has welcomed changes to the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, with associated costs for isolation rooms within a nursing home now permitted under the scheme. Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO states: “We welcome acknowledgment by the Minister and his Department that isolation rooms, which are a recommended public health measure to support nursing homes in managing Covid19, now have recognition under the scheme. NHI has engaged with Minister Donnelly and his predecessor Minister Harris since onset of the scheme for this vital public health measure to be encompassed in costs allowable.”
Mr Daly warned there is necessity for the Fair Deal scheme to become cognisant of the new requirements placed upon nursing homes to implement the Expert Panel report’s recommendations. “There is collective support for implementation of the Expert Panel’s recommendations amongst nursing homes and broader stakeholders,” he said. “Analyses of the scheme present on a long-standing basis concerns regarding the limited definition it applies towards what encompasses nursing home care. It must start encompassing the recommendations that are essential to move nursing home care onto a new footing. Fair Deal is critical to support nursing homes in having the capacity and capability to implement these recommendations and support nursing homes in enhancing the care provided to residents.”
Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO is available for further interview. Media interviews will be facilitated by Michael McGlynn, NHI’s Communications and Research Executive who can be contacted at 087 9082970.