asked the Minister for Health if there are any requirements laid down in connection with the setting up of old people's homes; if so, if he is satisfied that they are being complied with; and, if not, if he has any proposals to introduce controlling measures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old People's Homes.
21.
The Health (Homes for Incapacitated Persons) Act, 1964 and the regulations made under that Act in 1966 govern the setting up of homes for incapacitated persons, which include homes for persons unable to look after themselves because of old age or infirmity. The Act requires a person setting up such a home to notify the appropriate health authority at least one month in advance. The regulations specify the standards to be maintained in the homes, including requirements that every home shall provide suitable and sufficient care, accommodation, equipment, facilities and staff having regard to the nature and extent of the incapacity of the persons in the home and the number of incapacitated persons maintained. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the health boards and their authorised officers. Health boards inspect the homes from time to time to ensure that the regulations are being complied with.
Is the Minister aware that there has been an abuse in the setting up of such homes? Old people's homes are supposed to care for old people but such homes have been set up in which there are neither the facilities nor the medical qualifications to deal with old people. Would he agree that this area is open to exploitation due to the fact that hospitals generally are very reluctant to admit old people unless they are suffering from an acute illness?
I am not aware of the situation the Deputy outlines. The area with which the Deputy is concerned would be a matter for the Eastern Health Board. That board have an obligation, and I understand that they carry out the obligation, to inspect all these old persons' homes when they are established and also to inspect them about once every six months subsequently. If the Deputy has any particular case in mind I would be glad if he would let me know about it.
Would the Minister agree that such homes are being set up and the health boards are not being notified about them and may not be aware of them? Would he instruct the health boards to be more diligent in trying to ascertain if such homes are in existence and if they are to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements?
I will ask the health boards to be more diligent in the enforcement of these regulations. The regulations are there and it is an offence to set up a home in contradiction of the regulations.
It is a matter of having them properly enforced.