I propose to take Questions Nos. 675 and 676 together.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the statutory body responsible for the registration and inspection of all designated centres for older people, including public, voluntary and private nursing homes. Details of all currently registered nursing homes, including the maximum number of residents who can be accommodated can be found on the HIQA website,www.hiqa.ie. The HSE has advised the Department that between January and May this year 296 public residential care beds have closed. While the Department monitors information in relation to the overall number of nursing home beds registered in each sector the Department does not have a mechanism for identifying the number of beds opened or closed in the private sector for the same period.
The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme was introduced in October 2009. The Scheme ensures that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable and that people are cared for the in most appropriate settings. Anyone who is assessed as requiring long-term nursing home care can avail of the scheme, regardless of age. However, nursing home care must be appropriate to meet the individual's care needs.
Under the Scheme, applicants are required to undergo a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary care needs assessment in order to establish their need for long term residential care services — as outlined in Section 7 of the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act, 2009. This assessment is carried out by healthcare professionals and considers whether a person can be supported to continue to live at home or whether long-term nursing home care is more appropriate.
A fundamental principle enshrined in the legislation underpinning the Scheme is that of patient choice. Once a person receives approval for financial support, they can choose to enter any nursing home that is participating in the scheme in any part of the country, subject to the nursing home having an available bed and being able to cater for the person's particular needs. This applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes alike.
The HSE is currently piloting a Single Assessment Tool. e introduction of a single assessment tool will assist the HSE to further key strategic objectives, i.e. meet needs in the most appropriate setting; enhance quality and efficiency; promote value for money; facilitate access to long-term residential care or a home care package; and enable older people to remain at home for as long as possible.
Since 1 July 2009 all nursing homes, public and private, must comply with the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended, and must meet theNational Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. The regulatory regime is designed to ensure that residents receive quality long-term residential care.
