asked the Minister for Health whether due to cutbacks in his Department, nursing homes throughout the country are being set up and as the Annual Conference of the Environmental Health Officers Association in Kilkenny were informed, many are exploiting the elderly; if there are any guidelines or conditions which have to be adhered to when setting up a nursing home; and if so, if there are any personnel in his Department employed to check that these conditions are being adhered to.
Written Answers. - Nursing Homes.
91.
I am not aware of any significant increase in the rate of establishment of nursing homes throughout the country. While the State provides a wide range of services for the care of the elderly, the contribution of private nursing homes is essential. The right of the elderly to make private arrangements for nursing care in their latter years is a matter for each individual.
The State has a statutory responsibility to ensure a minimum standard of care in private nursing homes under the Health (Homes for Incapacitated Persons) Act, 1964 and the 1985 Regulations. Under these regulations, health boards are charged with the responsibility for ensuring that standards are met. The boards inspect these homes on a regular basis.
I understand that one of the issues that the Working Party on Health and Welfare Services for the Elderly will be addressing, is the relationship between private nursing homes and health boards in their complementary role of caring for the elderly. This report will be presented shortly and the Government will quickly examine the recommendations and implement those which it accepts in so far as resources allow as a matter of urgency. State support for private nursing homes means that prescribed standards must be enforced and met. This particular area will be considered in conjunction with the report of the working party.