John Curran
Question:462. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the fair deal nursing home scheme to include home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3814/17]
View answerTuesday, 31 January 2017
Questions (462)
Written answers
As Minister for Mental Health and Older People my priority is to ensue that our older people get the best care possible.
Government policy is to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and long-term nursing care should be a last resort after home support and other community based supports have been exhausted. However, the main statutory scheme for older people at present is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, which provides for a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care.
The development of a new home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister. The Department has commenced an examination of options to bring greater national consistency to the regulation and financing of home care. This work began in 2016 with a review by the Health Research Board of how home care is regulated and funded in comparable jurisdictions, commissioned by the Department. The review will be finalised and published shortly and will be used to inform the development of policy proposals for the regulation and funding of these services.
The development of a regulatory and funding model for home care services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. It is considered that the best option for the future may be a statutory scheme specifically designed for home care. The Department's intention is that regulation of the home care sector will be done in parallel.
In addition, a public consultation process will be launched in the coming months to allow stakeholders, including older people, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme.
The development of a home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister, and I can assure the Deputy it will be progressed as a matter of urgency.