Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
148 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a breakdown, hospital by hospital, of the numbers of acute beds being inappropriately occupied due to the unavailability of non-acute hospital beds; and the way in which she proposes to provide proper care for our older people. [26582/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested. The future financing of long-term care for the elderly is being examined to find the best ways to structure support for long-term care and the most effective and equitable methods of funding.
The nursing home subvention scheme is also being reviewed. The purpose of this review is to develop a scheme within the system which includes standardised dependency and means testing, is less discretionary, provides a home and nursing home subvention depending on need, is consistent in implementation throughout the country and draws on experience of the operation of the old scheme. In addition, home care grant schemes have been introduced as an alternative to long term care in a number of health board areas. The Department has also encouraged the ERHA and the health boards to introduce personal care packages for older people. These are specifically designed to give older people the option of remaining living within their home.
