Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.
424 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the establishment of an independent inspectorate for health board facilities for the elderly and an ombudsman for the elderly to deal with complaints relating to medical care for the elderly (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/02]
Comment on this
As the Deputy is aware, there is provision under the nursing home legislation for monitoring standards in private nursing homes involving inspections by health boards, however, no similar arrangements are in place for health board facilities. It is planned to rectify this by expanding the role of the social services inspectorate to cover extended care facilities for older people. It is the intention to bring forward proposals in regard to services for older people as soon as possible. Furthermore, under the national health strategy, it has been proposed that national standards for community and long-term residential care of older people shall be prepared.
Comment on this
425 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the practice (details supplied) whereby as a result of the recent budget increases in the old age pensions, the increase has been absorbed into a higher maintenance charge at a welfare home (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/02]
Comment on this
Charges can be made under two sets of regulations in respect of long-stay or extended care. They can be made under the Institutional Assistance Regulations, 1965, and charges may also be made under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations, 1976, as amended by the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 1987.
In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to the person's individual circumstances. Allowance is made for any financial commitments the person may have and a reasonable amount is left to meet the person's personal needs. Charges may be waived if, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board, payment would cause undue hardship.
As this is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board, I have asked Mr. Donal O'Shea of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.