Introduction:

We, the undersigned, come together to advocate for a fundamental change in nursing home funding policies to address the prevailing discrimination within the system between publicly operated nursing homes (HSE) and privately operated nursing homes. Our mission is to ensure a dignified future for the elderly residents of nursing homes across the country, starting with Beaumount Resident Care nursing home.

Background:

Care-Choice, the owners of Beaumount Resident Care nursing home, Cork, are withdrawing from the Fair Deal scheme due to chronic underfunding from the Department of Health towards the cost of care of Fair Deal residents in privately operated nursing homes. This chronic underfunding is occurring against a backdrop of a surge in the cost-of-living, resulting in the home being unable to continue to care for residents. 

Currently, to care for Fair Deal residents, private nursing homes are expected to bridge the gap between the funding provided and the actual cost of care and are facing insurmountable financial challenges which are unsustainable. The withdrawal from the Fair Deal scheme puts vulnerable elderly residents at risk of displacement from their home, despite their complex needs that demand specialised care.

Chronic underfunding by the government is at the root of this crisis. On average, CareChoice has received an increase of €16 per resident per week across their Cork nursing homes; this is significantly lower than the increase of €183 per resident per week, allocated to residents in other publicly operated homes (HSE) in the same locality. The uplift in Cork homes equates to an increase of 1.4%, operating in an environment which has seen cost increases of 17%.

The operators have asked for a sustainable rate to be provided so that they can continue to care for the residents and to date, no such offer has been made, leaving them with no option but to withdraw from the Fair Deal scheme in Beaumont Residential Care.

Call for Action:

We implore government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to take immediate action and rectify this funding discrimination. It is our collective responsibility to uphold the rights and dignity of our elderly population, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. By addressing the funding discrimination, we can forge a path toward a more equitable and compassionate system of elderly care; which does not discriminate against residents in privately operated nursing homes and provides fairness for all.

To date, 915 older persons have lost their home, with the closure of 32 nursing homes in the last 28 months. 

Key Objectives:

1. Sustainable Funding: We demand sustainable funding across all nursing homes, irrespective of their public or private status. No resident should be deprived of receiving care in an appropriate setting and location of their choosing.
2. Transparent Allocation: We urge for transparent and accountable processes in the allocation of nursing home funding, ensuring that resources are allocated based on the complex needs of the residents.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: We call for a comprehensive assessment of the funding requirements for nursing homes, considering the specific needs of each resident and providing adequate resources accordingly.
4. Collaboration and Engagement: We encourage open dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, including nursing home owners, government bodies, and advocacy groups, to collectively address funding disparities and chart a sustainable path forward.
5. Beaumont Residential Care remains in the Fair Deal
   scheme with sustainable funding.

Conclusion:

By signing this petition, we stand together as a united voice, demanding immediate action to rectify the discrimination in nursing home funding. Let us create a future where all elderly residents, including those at Beaumount Residential Care, can age with dignity, respect, and the assurance of receiving the high-quality care they deserve. Join us in our pursuit of a dignified future for nursing home residents by signing this petition today.