Ms Anne O'Connor:

Going back many years ago, people with dementia were viewed as being very complex cases and were often harder to place in residential care. Whereas now, given the population profile, all nursing homes cater for people with dementia. There are people who present with very challenging behaviours associated with dementia and not all nursing homes can cater for them. In addition, there may be higher staffing ratios associated with residents who have more complex needs. I do not have a breakdown of costs relating specifically to people with dementia in residential care.