Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
475. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in view of the Ombudsman report Wasted Lives, the number of disabled people under the age of 65 years that remain in a nursing home and who are deemed not appropriately placed. [51928/23]
View answerA nursing home can be an appropriate care option where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement that cannot be supported in the person’s home.
The Government is providing funding to facilitate supports to people to live in their own homes with disabilities, and where inappropriately placed in nursing homes, assist young people to move to supported living arrangements.
A primary source of U65 data has been provided by the HSE’s Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS). Based the latest validated data as of July 2023, there are a total of 1,228 residents in Nursing Homes under the age of 65.
By the end of August 2023, 20 individuals have moved from nursing homes to more appropriate homes in the community this year.
The HSE is currently engaging with a cohort of 575 individuals for review and assessment for transition into the community or continued nursing home placements.
The HSE has undertaken further appropriate surveys to identify people with a disability who may be inappropriately living in nursing homes and to enable planning for the most appropriate health and social care supports in the most appropriate setting. In 2023 the HSE undertook two national surveys:
• The Service Providers Survey was issued in April 2023 by the HSE, to all HIQA registered Nursing Homes, to get a more complete picture of U65s in a Nursing Home and their needs. This survey concluded on the 18 June 2023, and the results are currently being examined.
• The Individual Residents Survey is aimed at individuals with a disability aged 65 years and younger and who are resident in Nursing Homes, and is for completion by the individual or their representatives, on a voluntary basis. It will identify whether the residents wish to be contacted further by the HSE, in relation to transitioning to the community or receiving additional quality of life supports. Information on residents’ support needs, will and preferences, and personal details will also be ascertained. The Individual Survey is currently taking place and the HSE advises that it will conclude November 30th 2023 with an option to extend as needed.
