Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
675. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of transitional plans to ensure that young persons with a disability who wish to reside outside of nursing home settings and who wish to live independently have sufficient choice and options available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26439/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing homes are an appropriate care option where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement which cannot be supported in the person’s home. However, for some people under the age of 65 years, nursing homes are not an appropriate placement and alternative, more sustainable supported living solutions, are needed to give them greater independence and choice in their daily lives.
According to the HSE there is a cohort of approximately 1,330 people under 65 years of age living in nursing homes, 45% of whom are aged 60+ and 20% less than 50 years. For many a nursing home may be the appropriate setting based on their clinical and support needs. However, the HSE acknowledges that this must be the subject of a care and case management approach that facilitates structured reviews and where the will and preference of the individual is of paramount importance.
There is a clear Government commitment to reduce and provide a pathway to eliminate the practice of accommodating young people with serious disabilities in nursing homes.
A range of measures are supported by the HSE National Service Plan (NSP) to enable people under 65 to move from nursing homes as well as to provide supports to those who wish to remain at home. The aim is to prevent people under 65 inappropriately entering nursing homes in the first instance.
The HSE NSP 2021 provided for an investment of €3m to enable 18 people under the age of 65 years to move from nursing homes. 14 of the 18 have been moved, with work ongoing to move a further 4 people. Budget 2022 provided a further allocation of €5.5m to work with a further 63 people with a view to transferring them from nursing homes.
In relation to the transition plans, HSE CHOs are currently working with people on the ground to develop the plans and deliver choice.
Measures to prevent young persons from entering nursing homes continue to be supported through a range of services including intensive support packages, respite, home support, and personal assistance services.
