IRISH PEOPLE are among the least optimistic about their chances of receiving an appropriate level of care in old age, according to a survey by the European Commission.
The survey on long-term care in the European Union shows that almost half of Irish citizens (43 per cent) feel institutions such as nursing homes do not provide a sufficient standard of care in line with the European average.
The Eurobarometer poll is based on a representative sample of 28,600 people interviewed last summer across the EU.
It does not include people in institutional care.
The survey shows a widespread perception among Irish people - and Europeans in general - that dependent older people are becoming victims of abuse from those supposed to look after them.
Some two-thirds (66 per cent) of Irish people think dependent older people are at risk of psychological abuse, while more than half think older people risk physical abuse.
Among those who have either received care themselves or had a relative in long-term care, just under half (48 per cent) felt the care was totally appropriate, the lowest level in the EU.
When it comes to attitudes to care, the vast majority of Irish people feel public authorities should provide appropriate homecare or institutional care for older people in need.
However, 65 per cent of Irish people feel individuals should be obliged to contribute to a social insurance scheme that will finance care - just below the EU average of 70 per cent.
Public opinion also varies significantly from country to country on the issue of whether children should pay for the care of their parents if their parents' income is not sufficient.
Ireland is among the least enthusiastic supporters of this proposal, with just 36 per cent supporting it, compared to an EU average of 48 per cent.
Similarly, support is low in Ireland for the proposal that people who are unable to pay for their care should sell their home or borrow against it to finance that care.
The proposal is generally unpopular across Europe. Just 23 per cent of Irish people support the proposal, in line with the European average. The countries where support levels are highest are Croatia (58 per cent), Slovenia (52 per cent) and EU candidate state Turkey (51 per cent)
The low level of support for this move in Ireland comes at a time when Minister for Health Mary Harney is preparing to publish legislation that will allow the State to levy charges on the estates of older people after their death.
The plans have been delayed as a result of legal problems. However, they are expected to be finalised shortly.
Under the scheme, which is optional, those in need of nursing home care will pay a maximum of 80 per cent of their disposable income towards their nursing home costs, while the State will pay the balance.
An extra deferred contribution of up to 15 per cent of the value of their home and other assets may be due after the person's death.
Care survey: key statistics
66%
The percentage of Irish people who think dependent older people risk psychological abuse
48%
Of those who have either received care themselves or had a relative in long-term care, almost half believe the care was appropriate, the lowest level in the EU
