Rise in number of older people leaves Government facing major funding challenge

The ESRI report says the number of long-term residential care beds and home supports for older people will need to increase by at least 60% by 2040 to meet demand.  Picture: iStock 

A phenomenal rise in the number of older people in Ireland has left the Government facing a major funding challenge to provide long-term nursing home beds and home help hours, research has found.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) said the number of long-term residential care beds and home supports for older people will need to increase by at least 60% by 2040 to meet demand.