Sir, – It is important for readers to be aware that those approved for Fair Deal have a right to choose the nursing home in which they wish to live – public, private or voluntary – and the scheme does not distinguish in this regard, rightly supporting the wishes of the person. Paul Cullen’s article (Front page, July 29th) has highlighted an impending crisis, whereby people will be required to wait 17 weeks for Fair Deal approval that will enable them avail of the specialist care provided by nursing homes.
It is welcome that The Irish Times is bringing very serious issues concerning nursing home care to public attention.
We reiterate our call for the Government to face up to the impending crisis and outstanding issues by bringing key stakeholders around the table through a forum on long-term residential care to plan appropriately for future demands for this specialist care.
We cannot allow the prediction referred to in Paul Cullen’s article to arise: a 17-week wait for Fair Deal approval, with 2,000 people awaiting the necessary support of the scheme. His further article, “Pressure on after shift in Fair Deal priorities” (Home News, July 29th) helps to highlight very serious health implications for those unable to access this specialist care in a timely manner.
The crisis is impending. It will lead to great distress and suffering for older persons and their relatives. As a matter of urgency, the Department of Health must bring key stakeholders together to address the impending crisis. Decisive and urgent action is required by the department now. – Yours, etc,
TADHG DALY,
CEO,
Nursing Homes Ireland,,
Centrepoint Business Park,
Oak Road,
Dublin 12.