While nursing homes can be an appropriate care option for younger people with a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement which cannot be supported in their own home, alternative solutions are needed for others to give them more independence and choice in their daily lives.
The Programme for Government is committed to providing a pathway to eliminate the practice of inappropriately accommodating young people with serious disabilities in nursing homes. €3m has been allocated for a HSE led pilot project this year to assist 18 people inappropriately placed in nursing homes to move to more appropriate housing options in the community.
I am advised by the HSE that 14 individuals have moved from nursing homes as of 30 November. Work is ongoing with regard to a further 4 individuals.