Thomas Gould
Question:739. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to support the mental health of residents in nursing homes [24930/20]
View answerTuesday, 22 September 2020
Questions (739, 740)
Thomas Gould
Question:740. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to support nursing homes in resuming activities such as art classes [24931/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 739 and 740 together.
People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of Covid-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.
Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction. During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.
In line with the level of disease in the community, the National Public Health Emergency Team advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This is reflected in the latest advice on protecting the over 70s and the medically vulnerable and also in visiting guidance, both of which are issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre which is available at www.hpsc.ie. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dublin recently, NPHET recommended new public health guidance, including in relation to nursing home visits. In order to reduce resident contacts, visiting in long-term residential care facilities (LTRCs) in Dublin should be suspended but there are exceptions in critical and compassionate circumstances. The measures are in place in Dublin for three weeks from midnight, 18th September. The situation will be kept under review. These measures are aimed at protecting those that are most vulnerable in the context of COVID-19.
I encourage all nursing home providers to maintain familiarity with the latest public health advice and support, to make every effort to continue to facilitate and ensure that nursing home residents receive visitors in critical and compassionate circumstances, in line with public health advice, and to communicate with family and friends on an ongoing basis in order to support positive mental health and wellbeing.
It remains of critical importance that every nursing home provider takes steps and innovates to support ongoing communication between residents and their families and friends, even during periods of enhanced protective measures, while following public health advice.