Irish nursing homes 'still not up to standard'

A majority of Irish nursing homes are failing to meet international standards of best practice because they cannot afford enough staff, according to a report published today by Age Action Ireland.

A majority of Irish nursing homes are failing to meet international standards of best practice because they can't afford enough staff, according to a report published today by Age Action Ireland.

The report criticises the Government for failing to address the issue of mandatory staffing levels in new draft guidelines published this year in the wake of the Leas Cross scandal.

It says the State should be prepared to pay more to subsidise the cost of providing quality care in nursing homes.

Age Action Ireland says the health service is abdicating its responsibilities towards the elderly by failing to provide a generous subsidy for private nursing home beds.