Nursing homes body slams inequalities in state support

The body that represents private nursing homes around the country has slammed what it claims is an "inequitable and unjust" funding system for elderly people in care.

The Irish Nursing Homes Organisation says the level state funding for nursing home patients varies in different areas and there are also huge variations in the way the rules are applied in different HSE regions.

The association has also claimed that the new Health Bill will make it more difficult for elderly people in private nursing homes to get state supports.

It is calling for a standardisation of the system that would clearly set out the rights and entitlements of older people.