asked the Minister for Health (a) the number of beds available in private long-stay nursing homes, (b) the total number of people presently on waiting lists for these nursing homes; and (c) the average cost per week for an elderly person to stay in one of these homes.
Written Answers. - Nursing Homes.
224.
(a) Approximately 4,360 beds are available in such homes. (b) This information is not available. (c) The average cost is from £40 to £50 per week. Health boards pay a subvention of £18.90 per week for eligible persons in approved homes.
225.
asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which private nursing homes are inspected by his Department.
226.
asked the Minister for Health the present arrangements for the official scrutiny and registration of private nursing homes.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
I presume that the Deputy's questions relate to homes for incapacitated persons unable to look after themselves because of old age or infirmity.
The Health (Homes for Incapacitated Persons) Act, 1964, and the regulations made in 1966 govern the setting up and operation of homes for incapacitated persons of the type referred to in the questions.
The Act requires a person setting up such a home to notify the appropriate health board at least one month in advance. The regulations specify the standards to be maintained in 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. The enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the health boards and their authorised officers.
A letter issued from my Department to health boards last September reminding them of the importance of periodic inspections of these homes. From inquiries made I understand that the homes in most areas are inspected regularly.
My functions in respect of such homes relate to their approval under section 54 of the Health Act, 1970, for the purposes of payment of subventions by health boards to eligible persons. On receipt of application for such approval the home is inspected by a medical officer of my Department to ascertain if it is suitable.