Bernard Durkan
Ceist:164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recommendations in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45451/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 October 2017
Ceisteanna (164, 165)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his views on the finding within a report (details supplied) with particular reference to the concept that providing homely care within the nursing home sector is further compounded by ageism and stigma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45452/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not possible, the Health Service Executive supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate.
I am familiar with the particular research referred to by the Deputy, and he will be aware having met with me on the day that I was present at its launch in September. The report documents the views, likes, dislikes and wishes of persons living in our nursing homes.
I believe that it is fundamentally important that residents' rights and dignity are respected and valued and that their views are listened to and acted upon. The significant role that a nursing home fulfils in the provision of a “home from home” for its residents must be recognised and acknowledged. Residential services for older people should be person-centred and I am convinced that older people should be the driving force in the design and delivery of those services which are provided to them. Their voices and views should be listened to and they must be allowed play a meaningful role in shaping their own homes and communities.
This is, for example enshrined in the "National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland" (2016) developed by HIQA. The standards inter alia provide a framework for service providers for the continual development of person - centred services. Standard 1.3 outlines that residents have a right to exercise choice and have their needs and preferences taken into account in relation to services.
In relation to ageism in a broader context, the National Positive Ageing Strategy, published in 2013 provides a framework for cooperation to address age-related policy and service delivery across Government and society in the years ahead. The Strategy highlights that ageing is not just a health issue, but rather requires a whole of Government approach to address a range of social, economic and environmental factors that affect the health and well-being of our ageing citizens. Combatting ageism is one of the cross cutting objectives of the strategy. Revised arrangements for the implementation and monitoring of the strategy were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform in October, 2016. The first National Positive Ageing Indicators Report was published in 2016 and is available on the Department's website. Earlier this year the Department facilitated the inaugural stakeholder Forum under the NPAS. The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to work collaboratively and to identify key priorities. Those stakeholders have been facilitated with an opportunity to directly engage with relevant Departments in relation to those identified priorities. The Department of Health intends to follow up with the stakeholders in relation to their experience, towards the end of the year.