Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The nursing homes support scheme is a key component of our health service and a recurring theme of our discussion this morning. While older people prefer to remain at home if possible, there will always be a need for long-term nursing home care. The scheme's introduction in 2009 relieved families of potentially very onerous expense and ensured equity of treatment based upon means, regardless of the type of nursing home care provided. It involves a very significant financial commitment on the part of the State, with €948.8 million allocated to the scheme in 2015. This represents an increase of €10 million on the 2014 figures.

When the nursing homes support scheme commenced, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. This review is being carried out by my Department in collaboration with the Health Service Executive, with analysis and recommendations provided by Deloitte Consultants on specific issues which required specialised expertise. The review is considering the long-term sustainability of the scheme, including funding arrangements. No decisions have been taken and no plans put in place regarding changes to the way the scheme currently operates.

Between now and 2024 the population over 65 years is projected to increase by some 200,000. Based upon current trends, those requiring long-term care will increase by a third over the same period. On that projection, spending on the scheme at current prices would approach €1.3 billion per annum from its current level of just under €950 million.

The review of the nursing homes support scheme, as well as considering how the scheme has operated to date, is expected to identify some of the broader issues that will need to be considered and tested more fully into the future, including the future financing of the full range of supports for older people, how community and residential supports and services should be balanced, and whether new care approaches can contribute positively. A continuum of more efficient care might serve to reduce the number of people requiring nursing home care and limit the projected increase in the cost of the scheme.

There is much reference these days to the challenges that demographic trends represent. That we are facing these challenges should be welcomed, as it means we are achieving longer lives for more of our people. It is these older people and their families who will be the central priority in planning services and supports for the future.

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