Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her continued support for and interest in supported care homes. In fairness to the Deputies representing the three counties in question, we all come together to support these care homes. They are unique facilities. Older persons who can no longer live at home but do not need nursing home can go into one of these facilities, where there are plenty of staff and they can come and go. They can go to the shop for a newspaper. They are provided with three meals a day. The majority of residents have their own rooms. Their medication needs are looked after. That is important.

I point out that the current cost to the State of the care is approximately €200 per resident per week, making this a very cost-effective model of which I am completely supportive. Many years ago, these homes were known as welfare homes but they are now run by community boards and voluntary organisations and get significant support from local organisations. There will always be a cohort of people who present with low to medium dependency needs and may not have family nearby. They may experience poor social networks and be socially isolated. The Sláintecare principle of the right care in the right place at the right time is underscored by these homes.

There are challenges, however. I will not pretend that is not the case. There are challenges in the delivery of financial supports. Last year, I asked CHO 5, which is very supportive of these homes, to compile a report. I have received that report. There was a shortfall in funding for last year. That matter will have to be addressed. I am proposing that the HSE engage in a full and detailed review of a viability study to carry out a full appraisal of supported care homes. If the ten homes were to work together, they would have better economies of scale in the context of governance, insurance and costs, and that is where I will go next.

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