A Clare GP claims step-down care facilities in this country are not up to standard to cater for a growing ageing population.
It follows a warning from Nursing Homes Ireland that “Ireland is sleepwalking into one of the biggest social and healthcare challenges in its history” as the country’s demographic changes.
Department of Health projections estimate that come 2030, one million people in Ireland will be aged 65 or older.
The amount of people aged 85 or older meanwhile is expected to grow by 162% by 2045, according to projections.
Lahinch-based member of the IMO’s GP Committee, Dr Michael Kelleher, says an ageing population will lead to chronic diseases becoming the ‘epidemic of the 21st century’.
He claims that, even now, step-down facilities can’t cater for the number of older people being discharged from hospital.
Nursing Homes Ireland claims facilities nationwide are already operating at 95% capacity and has called on Government to immediately convene a National Dialogue on Ageing.
The organisation says additional day services, homecare supports and additional staff need to be put in place in the coming years.
NHI CEO, Tadhg Daly, says plans need to be drafted urgently in order to ensure adequate resources are in place.
You can listen to the full interview below.
