Ombudsman Ger Deering has expressed disappointment at the time it has taken to find more suitable accommodation for more than 1,200 people under the age of 65 who continue to live in nursing homes countrywide and stressed that an absence of funding should not be used as an excuse for delays.
He made the call for more money to be given to the Health Service Executive to prevent younger people with a disability from having to live inappropriately in nursing homes after getting an update on the HSE’s progress in implementing measures identified in a 2021 Ombudsman investigation report on the inappropriate placement of people in nursing homes.
The HSE told the Ombudsman that 81 people have been moved to appropriate care and plans are at an advanced stage to move a further 17.
However, the Health Service Executive has also informed his office that after these people move there will be no more funding available this year for any further moves.
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At the time of the Ombudsman’s report, Wasted Lives: Time for a better future for younger people in Nursing Homes, about 1,300 people under 65 were living in nursing home settings supported by the Nursing Home Support Scheme (the Fair Deal scheme).
“I acknowledge the work done by the HSE so far in facilitating people to live life to their full potential,” said Mr Deering “However, I am disappointed by the pace of the progress. I do not accept that a lack of funds should now become a barrier.”
He added that he was “delighted that 81 people have been able to access appropriate care and transition out of a nursing home” and commended those who had made this happen. But he said that as of July 2024, there are more than 1,200 who have not had that opportunity.
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