Govt working group to push through nursing homes recommendations

The Government is to establish a working group to oversee recommendations made in the Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

The report recommends the development of new approaches to setting nursing home prices - to ensure value, adequate capacity, and transparency are achieved.

The review has found that certain administrative processes should be standardised.

It identifies the scheme as an effective contributor to the long-term care needs of older people.

Minister of State for Older People, Kathleen Lynch has said there will be no increase in the contribution required from nursing home residents, following a review of the Fair Deal Scheme.

The programme asks older people to contribute towards their care, while the State pays the balance.

Minister Lynch said it would be unfair to ask people to pay more.