Widespread nursing home closures come at a time when Ireland’s ageing population is rising rapidly. Photo: Getty
Nearly six out of 10 people are “very or extremely” concerned their loved ones may be unable to secure nursing-home care in their community, a survey shows.
Nursing Homes Ireland, which commissioned the survey, said the findings follow an “ongoing crisis as nursing home closures have escalated across the country since 2018”.
The survey, by Coyne Research, “shed light on anxiety about access to nursing home care”.
“Increasing operational costs and the pressures on the Fair Deal scheme have resulted in the closure of at least 77 nursing homes since 2018,” Nursing Homes Ireland said.
“Last year alone, 10 homes were forced to shut, with a further seven this year, contributing to the loss of more than 2,600 beds.
“Most of these closures have occurred in rural areas, deepening concerns over the availability of local care.”
It said this worrying trend comes at a time when Ireland’s older population is growing rapidly.
“In the next 20 years, the number of people aged over 65 is projected to rise by 66pc, with the population of those over 85 expected to more than double,” it said.
“These demographic shifts place further strain on the already stretched nursing home sector and call into question the sustainability of local nursing-home care.”
The organisation said nursing-home care in Ireland is at a critical juncture. It said the ongoing closures are dismantling the community-based care model and contradicting the goals of Sláintecare, which aims to provide care closer to home.
Nursing Homes Ireland chief executive Tadhg Daly said: “This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a challenge for society as a whole.
“Our ageing population is increasing rapidly and we should be celebrating this fact. However, if we don’t act now, the consequences will be profound.”
