Positive ageing charity Age Action Ireland has called for the publication of all investigations into nursing homes carried out by the Health Service Executive.
The call comes following reports of serious problems with care in some private nursing homes in Ireland.
The HSE investigated almost 160 complaints against 120 private nursing homes last year. Some 32 of the complaints were fully upheld, while a further 22 were partially upheld.
The investigations found instances of physical and verbal abuse, errors with medication, non-clinical staff performing clinical duties, staff shortages, poor hygiene and inadequate supervision.
Age Action Ireland spokesman Eamon Timmins said the investigations had revealed very serious allegations. "It looks like it will be an uphill battle to see nursing homes come up to standard, it is very depressing," he said.
He also raised concerns about the disparity between the individual investigations and inspection reports published by the HSE online following inspections in the homes.
"We need transparency; every bit of information the public could use should be in the public domain, then let people choose for themselves with their feet," he said.
He called for all investigations to be published on the HSE website alongside nursing home inspection reports.
Chief executive officer of Nursing Homes Ireland Tadhg Daly said the failings revealed by the HSE investigations were absolutely unacceptable. "Ultimately it's about how we can learn from the situation," he said.
He also said he would support the publication of investigations provided that the entire file was published including the replies of nursing homes. "The HSE should also highlight good practice where it arises," he added.
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