Nursing home bed shortage looms as construction of new facilities stalls, experts warn

New nursing home builds stall as experts warn of care crisis and pressure mounts on the fair deal scheme. File picture: iStock

Few new private nursing homes are expected to be built for the foreseeable future, leading construction experts have warned, as a shortage of beds looms.

Members of the construction industry and the nursing home care sector have predicted bed shortages, which could lead to price hikes in private nursing homes, with further questions hanging over the State’s €1bn-a-year fair deal scheme.