Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
575. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on producing a scheme to ensure that persons with disabilities under 70 years of age who are residing in nursing homes but do not have a medical nursing care need can be housed in more appropriate sheltered and supported accommodation services. [12662/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s on-going priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives. The health service provides Specialist Disability services to enable each individual with a disability to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible.
Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups. These services are provided within the available budget.
Although most families would prefer to be able to care for their loved ones at home, for various reasons hospital or nursing home care is at times necessary to meet their care needs and therefore it forms part of their continued care.
In addressing the needs of adults with a disability, the full range of community services available are tailored to meet the needs of the individual. The health service works with local authorities, Government Departments where applicable and other public services as well as the voluntary sector in seeking to tailor services to best fit the needs of the individual.
There are now less than 2,000 people living in a congregated setting, and each year more people are being supported to move into community independent living.
However, the HSE is aware that there are some people with disabilities residing in Nursing Homes. In these cases, people may have enhanced supports in relation to their disability support needs. It is recognised there are a small number of younger people who require full time nursing home care, such as those who have had a stroke or perhaps an acquired brain injury.
The Nursing Home sector is used in developing options to meet the needs of some adults with a disability where no other alternatives are possible. We need to regularly review these individuals to see, if through their care plan, a more appropriate option might be available. In the longer term, the policy is to develop a more tailored service suitable to meet the needs of these service users.
As the Deputy's question relates to provision of services, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
