Áras Attracta’s model of care was wrong – with residents not respected as individuals, who suffered isolation and institutional conditioning.
That’s one of the main findings of a Review Group of the Mayo care home, prompted by a Prime Time Investigates probe into the abuse of residents at Áras Attracta.
The HSE has apologised unreservedly to the residents and their families for the way they were treated, and admits it needs to step up its movement of people with intellectual disabilities into the community.
An 18 month review into the Swinford care home for people with intellectual disabilities has found its model of care was wrong.
Disability policy analyst and review group member Deirdre Carroll says Aras Attracta was not fit for purpose, and residents’ potential was reduced.
A new Director of services was appointed at Aras Attracta in 2015, where 27 residents are to start their transition to community living shortly with a further 26 residents doing so next year.
A garda investigation led to a number of staff members being charged with assault – Tony Canavan from the HSE says a some managers at Aras Attracta will face disciplinary measures;
This review also had a broader remit – looking at how services are provided to people with intellectual disabilities across Ireland.
Kevin McCoy – who led the review group says he’s confident the reforms will happen.
