More than 30 people under 65 being placed in nursing homes every month 

There are more than 1,200 people under 65 now living in nursing homes, with the highest numbers in Cork, Clare and Dublin. Some of these people were injured in accidents, while others are living with chronic conditions.

Some 32 people aged under 65 are being placed in nursing homes every month due to a funding crisis in disability services, the Ombudsman said in a shocking update on this crisis.

There are more than 1,200 people under 65 now living in nursing homes, with the highest numbers in Cork, Clare and Dublin. Some of these people were injured in accidents, while others are living with chronic conditions.

Ombudsman Ger Deering has been working with the HSE on solutions since the previous ombudsman published a stark report titled 'Wasted Lives' in 2021.

An update provided to him by the HSE shows while 81 people have been moved out of nursing homes since that report, more people are being moved in.

“Every year, more and more individuals go into the system. The HSE’s update reports that in 2024 there has been an average of 32 individuals under 65 entering a nursing home setting every month,” Mr Deering said.

For those moved out, he said: “It has meant huge improvements in terms of the quality of their daily lives. However, I am disappointed by the pace of the progress.”

He called for “sustainable and annual funding” to improve the lives of people who cannot be moved out of nursing homes for health reasons and those who wish to live independently.

“We all have a duty to recognise and respect the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, particularly those most vulnerable and with the most needs, and it is with this in mind that I would like to restate my call for adequate funding to be made available for people under 65 in nursing homes,” he said on Wednesday.

There are now 1,233 under-65s living in nursing homes, including 15% of these being aged under 50. In 2021, this stood at 1,330.

An update provided to Mr Deering by the HSE shows 81 people have been moved out of nursing homes since the report. The HSE said another 51 people are in active planning for potential transfer, including 17 set to move shortly.

“A further 20 of those individuals are ready to move from nursing homes to more appropriate settings in 2024 but by the end of August 2024 the annual funding was already spent or fully reserved and those moves cannot currently proceed,” he said.

Ombudsman Ger Deering: 'It cannot be the case that these moves are prevented by a lack of funds.'

A shortfall of €5m has been identified by the HSE.

An Integrated Governance Steering Group is overseeing the transfers but Mr Deering is now concerned, despite the group’s enthusiasm, that progress has stalled.

“It cannot be the case that these moves are prevented by a lack of funds,” he said.

“It is vital that funding for these projects is provided and ringfenced to ensure that individuals already identified can move and that future plans and work are not delayed by fears that funding may not be available.” 

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The Ombudsman acknowledged high levels of support were needed for some people so they can live independently.

In Cork City, a pilot programme between the HSE and Headway, an organisation specialising in brain injury rehabilitation, has seen 25 people aged under 65 living in nursing homes receive extra supports.

Headway has indicated it could expand to Cobh and Mallow if funding were available, and similarly the HSE would like to roll out this programme nationally.

Mr Deering welcomed plans from the HSE National Neuro-Rehabilitation Programme to have a regional specialist in-patient service and Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team in each of the six regional health areas.