Ageing population ‘a ticking timebomb’

The health service is “seriously unprepared” to cater for Ireland’s ageing population and faces a “ticking timebomb” unless it drastically improves nursing home facility numbers.

Leading private group Nursing Homes Ireland made the claim at its annual conference yesterday, warning that the issue cannot continue to be ignored.

Speaking at the Dublin event, chief executive Tadhg Daly said as many as 53 new nursing homes are needed within the next three years because of a lack of services for older people.