"The Government help help smaller private nursing homes survive before it's too" - Whelan
The Aontú representative for the Laytown-Bettystown electoral area, Peter Whelan, has raised concerns for the future of the elderly in nursing homes.
Speaking today, Peter Whelan said "It has come as a drastic blow to the rural community of Dowth and the surrounding areas to hear of the closure of Boyne valley nursing home. This home was caring for 18 residents, all originally from the area. The nursing home staff was made up of local people who knew the residents personally. The home has provided a personal and professional service to our community for 25 years.”
Whelan continued “This closure comes as small nursing home operators are facing major challenges to survive , including rising costs , increased regulations and insufficient state subsidies . From 2018 to the end of last year 29 nursing homes with less than 40 beds closed. Between 400 and 500 nursing home beds have been lost with closures in recent years. Nursing Home Ireland, who represents almost 500 private nursing homes, have asked the government to help the care homes with soaring running costs by increasing the subsidies paid under the fair deal scheme. There are serious concerns that there could be further closures without intervention and supports.”
“There have been 12 nursing homes closed in recent weeks. My big concern is that nursing homes are being pushed to become an industry where only massive homes, run by faceless investors, will be the only viable model for nursing homes in the future. I'm calling on the Government to take immediate action to help these smaller private nursing homes survive before it's too late . This government has a duty to look after its vulnerable citizens .” Concluded Whelan
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