Nearly six in 10 people in Ireland are either very or extremely concerned about the availability of nursing home care in their local communities.
The research, commissioned by Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), showed an increase in public anxiety about access to nursing home care, as increasing operational costs and the pressures on the Fair Deal scheme have resulted in the closure of at least 77 nursing homes since 2018.
Last year, 10 homes were forced to shut, with a further seven this year, contributing to the loss of more than 2,600 beds.
Of the 57 per cent who said they were concerned about the issue, 26 per cent said they were extremely concerned and 31 per cent said they were very concerned.
Some 47 per cent of the 1,000 respondents to the survey strongly disagree (15 per cent) or disagree (32 per cent) that nursing home care is adequately funded by the Irish Government.
An 'ageing population'
In the next 20 years, the number of people aged over 65 is projected to rise by 66 per cent, with the population of those over 85 expected to more than double.
NHI chief executive, Tadhg Daly, said consequences of inaction will be "profound" as Ireland's ageing population increases rapidly.
"This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a challenge for society as a whole. We need to save our nursing homes and ensure that they remain a vital part of our communities," he said.
"The sustainability of the nursing home sector must become a priority for all - government, families, and local communities. Planning now will prevent heartbreak later."
Daly urged policymakers to act and encouraged collaboration across sectors.
"We are hosting our Annual Conference on September 19, where we will discuss these wider issues in depth. We are calling on policymakers, government officials, and the entire healthcare sector to meet the challenges of caring, together," he said.
"The projected growth in the number of older people in Ireland means we cannot afford to delay.
"It’s vital that we take collective responsibility and put the necessary supports in place to ensure nursing home care is available for all who need it. We must act now before it is too late."
