NURSING HOME operators have warned that new standards of care to be introduced to residential care settings for older people could lead to significantly higher costs.
The Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa) yesterday published details of 32 standards aimed at safeguarding and protecting the rights of older people.
For the first time all nursing homes in the private and public sector will be subject to independent inspections.
The new standards set out the rights of residents in areas such as health and social needs, quality of life, staffing, care environment and management.
For example, residents will have the right to have choices and control over how they are cared for and staff must be suitable qualified and checked to ensure they are safe to work in a care setting.
Other standards, such as those relating to minimum sizes for bedrooms, are likely to introduced over a six-year period as they may require major structural works.
The current system has been widely criticised as public homes are not subject to inspection, while health authorities have faced significant legal difficulties in closing down nursing homes which provide sub-standard care.
The new standards are likely come into force later this year once the Minister for Health signs off on regulations which will give the standards legal force.
These will also make it easier to close down homes which fail to meet new care standards, as a measure of last resort.
Nursing homes will be examined at least once every three years, although Hiqa says inspectors plan to work on "proportionate basis", visiting homes which need improvement more regularly than those who have a good track record.
The publication of the standards were welcomed by groups representing older people, such as Age Action Ireland. The main representative group for nursing homes, Nursing Homes Ireland, also welcomed the standards but warned that they could lead to higher costs.
Its chief executive Tadhg Daly said: "The new standards are to be welcomed but they will place increased obligations on nursing homes.
"It's likely that many homes will need increased staffing and administrative back-up to implement them."
The cost of nursing homes at present can vary from between €600 to €1,300 a week.
Hiqa's chief executive Tracey Cooper said the new developments were hugely important for older people, their families and nursing home owners.
"For the first time we have quality standards that clearly set down what is expected of a provider of services and what a resident, their family, carer or the public can expect to receive in residential care settings," she said.
New standards: main aims
Give each resident a contract setting out what they should be able to expect regarding accommodation, care and services.
Provide residents with a physical and social environment to ensure their independence is preserved.
Ensure that residents have a flexible daily routine which can be varied to suit their needs.
Facilitate and encourage links with family and friends.
Give residents a say in room-sharing arrangements.
Keep residents safe from abuse and neglect.
Ensure staff are trained and qualified.
The full list of standards can be accessed at the Health Information Quality Authority's website (www.hiqa.ie)
