Nursing Homes Ireland Submission to the Commission on Care for Older People
Friday November 8, 2024Nursing Homes Ireland Calls for Comprehensive Policy Reform in Submission to the Commission on Care for Older People
Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has made an impactful call for a new direction in older person care policy through its recent submission to the Commission on Care for Older People. Representing over 80% of nursing home care in Ireland, NHI has highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive, person-centred approach to long-term care, one that recognises the evolving needs of Ireland’s ageing population and the vital role nursing homes play in supporting older adults within their communities.
A Vision for Human-Centred, Community-Based Care
In its submission, NHI emphasises that nursing homes are not just healthcare facilities; they are homes where residents experience companionship, build memories, and live full lives. NHI advocates for policies that honour this reality, placing nursing homes at the heart of Ireland’s health and social care framework and ensuring they remain integral parts of their communities.
Key Recommendations for Improvement
NHI’s submission offers several key recommendations to create a holistic, future-focused system of care, including:
- National Policy on Older Person Care and Nursing Home Care:
- A person-centred, human-led approach is essential, recognising nursing homes as homes, not merely facilities.
- A cohesive, national policy for older person care is urgently needed to address gaps and inconsistencies, particularly in areas like medical card entitlements.
- The policy must clearly define nursing homes’ role within the broader continuum of care for older people, ensuring integration with the wider healthcare system.
- Enhanced Role of Nursing Homes in Community Healthcare:
- Nursing homes should be enabled to provide essential services, such as physiotherapy and speech and language therapy, to both residents and the wider community.
- Expanding day services, community networks, and volunteer organisations is essential to support older adults’ independence and well-being.
- Improved Communication and Access to Services:
- Clearer information delivery and simplified access channels are needed to reduce confusion for older adults and their families regarding entitlements and available services.
- Person-Centred, Rights-Based Approach to Care:
- A shift toward person-centred, rights-based care, particularly in social care settings, is crucial to address older people’s holistic health and well-being.
- Activities and services that enhance quality of life should be prioritised alongside essential health services.
- Addressing Staffing Shortages:
- Workforce development strategies are critical to addressing staffing challenges. This includes raising the terms, conditions, and professional standing of social care staff, recognising their contributions to high-quality, person-centred care.
- Support for Family and Unpaid Carers:
- Family carers often face emotional and practical challenges when transitioning loved ones into nursing home care. Additional resources, emotional support, and communication are needed at this critical stage.
- Comprehensive Resourcing for Sustainable Care:
- A review of resources is essential to meet the growing care demands of Ireland’s ageing population, with sustainable funding models that accurately reflect the cost of providing high-quality healthcare and social support.
Statement from Tadhg Daly, CEO of NHI
“As Ireland’s population ages, it is vital that we take a proactive approach to the future of nursing home care,” says Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland. “We need a long-term vision that recognises nursing homes as essential providers of care within our communities, where older people can live with dignity, respect, and connection.
“Nursing homes are places where people make memories, maintain friendships, and live meaningful lives. Our vision is to ensure they are fully integrated into Ireland’s health and social care framework, so every older person – no matter where they live – has access to the care and support they deserve. This submission represents the voices of residents, families, and providers who know the importance of this care firsthand, and we look forward to working with the Commission to create a sustainable, human-centred model of care for Ireland’s older adults.”
NHI has expressed its interest in presenting its submission in person to the Commission, to further outline these recommendations and work together to shape the future of elder care in Ireland.