Private nursing homes take in €11m a week

PRIVATE nursing homes are now raking in over €11 million a week, according to the latest details released in a national report yesterday.

The Irish Nursing Homes Organisation (INHO) research warns that heavier costs are inevitable, with more highly dependent patients expected in facilities.

There are now 17,909 private nursing home beds in Ireland. The average weekly rate across all room types for patients stands at around €694, meaning nursing homes are taking in some €11.1 million a week after the standard occupancy rate is included.

The sector though has also seen a dramatic downturn in new bed numbers. Only 187 extra beds were made available last year compared to 1,200 in 2005. There were also 14 home closures last year.

Despite this, INHO chief executive Tadhg Daly was adamant the downturn was not solely related to the Leas Cross scandal and more rigorous inspections by health chiefs.

“There was alternative use of land, particularly in the Dublin area. People are also doing more research before jumping in with their eyes closed.”

The survey of 140 homes also identified for the first time that 43% of nursing staff working in homes are non-national. This amount rose substantially to 74% in north Dublin.

Mr Daly insisted sufficient standards were in place to ensure language competency and skill checks among foreign employees. There were orientation sessions with the Health Service Executive as well as placements in hospitals, he explained.

“We’d be working closely with owners to make up any skill deficits that are there. The care that people from India and the Philippines give is unparalleled, they really are very committed to older people.”

The survey revealed the larger homes are in the west and north, with at least half of facilities there containing 60 or more beds. The average occupancy for the year countrywide was over 89%.

In addition, despite fears of higher staff costs to care for more dependent patients, homes are still expanding their facilities. Nearly a third of nursing home owners plan extensions over the coming year.

There is also quite a variation in rates. The average resident in Donegal or Sligo can expect to pay €520 a week for care, but in north Dublin, the average charge is €871. Nursing home representatives said this is a reflection of varying land prices and labour costs.

While patient costs are rising to over €45,000 a year, workers are still struggling on low pay.

The survey, in its fourth year, showed nurses on average earn €16.22 an hour, while care assistants earn just €9.64 an hour.