The closure of 14 private nursing homes in 2006 has been represented as a worrying development that could compromise the future care of the elderly. But before anyone begins to panic, it should be understood that in publishing these figures, the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation (INHO) is seeking to extract higher payments from the Government for patient care. The number of available beds actually increased.
Competition for resources in the health services is intense. And money is doled out grudgingly. Nowhere is this more evident than in the treatment of old people. It has been more than two years since the Government pledged to repay "quickly" and "fairly" funds illegally taken from pensioners in nursing homes. So far, only €17 million of an estimated €1 billion has been repaid.
The INHO reported a slowdown in the rapid growth of private bed numbers because of the closure of old establishments. But that may be a good thing. In some cases, it could reflect demands for higher standards of patient care. In any event, it is time to take stock of where we are: what nursing standards will be required from the public and private sectors in the future? What staffing, medical and remuneration levels should apply and how will such institutions operate under the proposed home-levy payment system being devised by the Government?
A huge increase in the number of private nursing homes took place in recent years, driven by Government tax incentives. Many are well run. But, in the absence of a rigorous inspection system, the profit motive triumphed at others and the distressing results have been widely publicised. Since then, legislation has been introduced and inspections will take place on a statutory basis this year. Faced with a new regime, it is not surprising that a number of homes decided to close.
Some were structurally unsuitable and their owners may have found it difficult to meet new requirements. The location and size of the properties, however, made them extremely valuable. Rather than face an uncertain future, selling became an attractive option in an increasingly competitive health market. Sixteen new homes opened their doors last year. And nearly one-third of those surveyed intended to expand their operations.
More nursing home beds will be needed to cope with an ageing population. But the situation is not critical. The concerns of the INHO are understandable, however, in light of a recent Government decision to devote two-thirds of extra spending on the elderly to community care initiatives. Such home-based services are designed specifically to keep people out of nursing homes.