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NEWSNHI News published by: Nursing Homes Ireland,Unit A5, Centrepoint Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12.Tel: 01 4292570 | Fax: 01 4291845 | E-mail: info@nhi.ieVisit us online: www.nhi.ie

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS!NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

INTERGENERATIONALDUBLIN RESIDENTS &STUDENTS WEEKLY INTERACTION

RESPONDING TOCHANGE

STUDY PRAISES PRIVATENURSING HOMES

Positivity of nursing home life must beaccessible in timely manner

Tadhg Daly,Chief Executive Officer,Nursing Homes Ireland

COMMENT

01 — NHI NEWS

I would encourage Members to be proactive in bringing thesestories to the attention of NHI to feature in this newsletter andpossibly further beyond.

NHI engagement with media is ongoing to promote nursinghome care and celebrate the residents and staff living withinnursing homes. Our annual Care Awards in November will againpromote and highlight nationally and locally outstanding careprovided within our sector.

Thank you to all who participated and supported NursingHomes Week 2014. It was fantastic to see the array ofcelebrations. We are already looking forward to the 2015celebrations, aiming to build upon the success of the previoustwo years.

FAIR DEAL CRISISDuring Nursing Homes Week, NHI hosted an Oireachtas OpenDay (18th June) at Leinster House. Over 50 TDs and Senators metwith NHI representatives who informed of the growing crisis inrespect of provision of residential care. They outlinedrecommended key actions to support the private and voluntarynursing home sector meet our ageing population’s increasinghealth and social care requirements. The NHI Membersinformed of present crisis in older person care – theextraordinary delays older persons are experiencing to accessFair Deal financial support.

Before its Summer recess, Minister Kathleen Lynch confirmedto Dáil Éireann three month waiting period for Fair Dealpayment and sizeable numbers on the national placement list.“As of 30 June (latest figures available) there were 1,465 peopleon the National Placement List for funding with average waitingtimes of 12 weeks,”she stated on 17th July. Minister Lynch’s replyconfirms key findings emanating from NHI Member Fair DealSurvey conducted in the corresponding month. It brought tobear the crisis for older people and their families within ourcommunities because of extraordinary delays in Fair Dealpayment application approval. Almost half of the 122 nursinghomes that participated in the survey stated waiting time forFair Deal from application to payment was three months orbeyond. Members informed the delays are leading to extended,unnecessary stays in acute, district and community hospitals andolder persons are being unnecessarily admitted to such settingsbecause they cannot avail of the specialist, continuous careprovided by nursing homes. Members told NHI persons havepassed away while awaiting Fair Deal financial support andadvised of the financial and psychological distress financialapproval is bringing to families (Read more about the survey inthis newsletter).

The extraordinary delays are a real a crisis in older personcare. Denying older persons timely access to their appropriatehealth and social care requirements flouts the rights of the olderperson and treats them in an undignified manner. The findingsof our survey received national media coverage but we are veryconcerned the crisis is going under the radar because it is partof the larger health crisis.

We warned in advance of this crisis. In December, when FairDeal budget 2014 was cut by €35 million, we stated it would havevery serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of olderpersons and it would impact upon acute hospital services. Thisis evident from latest published (at time of writing) HSE May2014 Performance report. It states: “There appears to be anupward trend in the number of delayed discharges from a

“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal onwhere you are standing,”C.S Lewis

Nursing homes are immensely positive ‘homes from home’that are enabling the people living within them live happy andfulfilling lives. A myriad of elements are knitted together tocreate these positive living environments that bring happiness,joy, friendship, comfort, care and support to older persons. Theseelements include diverse nursing home teams with a broad mixof professionals that are working together to support andenhance the healthcare and living requirements of older people;engagement with other professionals to optimise residentswellbeing and support healthy living; and the nursing homeitself, an appropriate environment for older persons who willlive within it and call it ‘home’.

The wisdom of C.S. Lewis prevails. Many people’s perceptionof nursing home life is removed from reality. The bigger pictureis that reflected in opening paragraph. Persons with directexperiences of nursing home care speak extremely positively inrespect of it: the kind, caring, skilled staff; the day-to-dayactivities and celebrations; the friendships formed; thehappiness and comfort of people living within nursing homes.Persons without direct experiences of nursing home life are not‘exposed’ to such realities and inaccurate perceptions can beformed.

NHI is focussed on portraying the reality of the positivity ofnursing home life and changing misperceptions surrounding it.This edition of NHI News focusses heavily upon the celebrationsof Nursing Homes Week 2014. The fun, happiness, colour,glamour and innovation in this year’s celebrations arehighlighted. Our celebrations built upon the success of theinaugural Nursing Homes Week 2013 event. Fantastic,imaginative celebrations were coupled with ‘traditional’ eventsand activities. The listing of ‘quirky’ celebrations hosted duringthe week defy misperceptions of nursing home life. Feedbackfrom participating Members has been immensely positive. Theysee this national celebration as a focal point to celebrate andpromote the positivity of nursing home life with residents, theirrelatives and friends, staff and wider communities. Coverage ofthe 2014 celebrations featured in national newspapers, onnational broadcast media and extensively within regionalnewspapers. The Irish Independent ran two features on June 16th

to coincide with Nursing Homes Week 2014. Both were pennedby residents who informed nursing home life was enabling themto fulfil their lives. This is occurring on a daily basis withinnursing homes and there are inspiring stories within our homes.

CONTENTS consistent range of 583 in early 2014 to 671by May 2014.” As of May 27th, 78.4% ofdelayed discharge persons were awaitinglong-term residential care, the reportinforms. Our warnings were not isolated.Age Action Ireland stated in December:“Weare extremely concerned that the switch insome of the funding from nursing homesupports to community supports which theHSE is planning will be insufficient to meetthe needs of the sickest of older people whowill be affected.”

A backdrop to this present crisis is that inrespect of bed provision. BDO, CARDI andthe ESRI projections for significant shortfallin bed numbers to meet care requirementsof our ageing population are not beingaddressed. Two years ago the HSE warnedof significant national deficit of nursinghome beds come 2016 and areas –particularly Dublin and other urban centres– had undersupply of beds.

NHI has engaged constructively withDepartment of Health and in particularMinister Kathleen Lynch (formerly Ministerfor Older People but now Social Care –which will encompass Older People) inrespect of crisis that is emerging. Speakingin Seanad Éireann 24th June Minister Lynchsaid: “I recently met representatives ofNursing Homes Ireland...Everyone agreedthat there will be a deficit in the number ofbeds that will be necessary in the future.”

Nursing home care has a critical role toplay in healthcare delivery and is key to aproper-functioning health service. The NHIcommissioned BDO report Health’s AgeingCrisis: Time for Action has warned theGovernment cost savings and benefits to theExchequer on an annualised basis inproviding timely access to nursing homecare are enormous – estimating a cost savingof €273m per annum.

NHI looks forward to forward to engagingwith new Minister for Health Leo Varadkarto inform of the significant challenges andopportunities our sector presents.

Enabling persons who require nursinghome care access it in a timely manner willplay a lead role in addressing inefficiencieswithin health sector. It will help ensure thesepersons receive such care within thecommunity, close to relatives and friendsand at lowest level of complexity. Thepositivity of nursing home life and care willsupport older people lead happy andfulfilling their lives. We in NHI will continueto celebrate such positivity.

Tadhg Daly,NHI CEO

Thanks to all supporters of NHI, many of whom are featured inthis newsletter. Please note, NHI is not responsible for thirdparty services advertised in this publication. Inclusion in thisnewsletter does not endorse, recommend or imply any approvalof the suppliers listed in this publication.

NHI NEWS — 02

NHI ACKNOWLEDGESSUPPORT OF

NEWS UPDATENews from Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative organisation for theprivate and voluntary nursing home sector. Read of an NHI Oireachtas OpenDay, meetings with Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch and Ministerfor Finance Michael Noonan, the extent of gerontological nursingopportunities within our sector, the crisis in older person care arising fromFair Deal delays, appointment of NHI Project Officer to address nurserecruitment challenges.

READ ALL ABOUT US!CCoommee DDiinnee wwiitthh MMee is re-enacted in a Co Louth nursing home; two elderlysisters are united every week via Skype, Newpark celebrates its 10thanniversary, NHI Resident Achievement Award winner Tommy hosts secondart exhibition, and orange is the colour of the day at a Co Westmeath nursinghome. Read All About Us showcases events and activities taking place in NHIMember homes.

VIEWPOINTResearch conducted by University of Limerick highlights private nursinghomes are more responsive to implementing required changes by comparisonwith public counterparts and the Government must look at Fair Deal’s feestructure to address ongoing care requirements.

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014Celebrations across the country in June marked Nursing Homes Week 2014. Theevents that brought residents, staff, families and wider communities togetherincluded a Mardi Gras themed World-Cup party, a Phantom of the Operamasked ball, mad hatters tea party, heritage & vintage day, and summerfashion show. The colour, fun and happiness of NHI’s national celebration ofthe positivity of nursing home care are depicted in a 12 page picture special.

DEMENTIA CAREPeople with dementia can be unintentionally harmed by the environment inwhich they live, so thoughtful improvements to established care homes andstrategic informed design of new ones can greatly improve the experience ofall who live and work there, writes Professor June Andrews, Director of theDementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling.Professor Andrews is coming to Dublin in November to speak at the NHIAnnual Conference 2014.

BEST PRACTICEEvery week during the school term, a number of students from a Dublinsecondary school travel the short distance to their local nursing home toparticipate in a ‘reading circle’ programme with older people threegenerations removed. The Generations United movement in the United Statesand President Michael D Higgins are amongst those who have learned of theintergenerational programme.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYAn NHI Education Day on medication management is forthcoming inSeptember and November is a busy month with NHI’s Annual Conferenceand Care Awards.

NHI UPDATESCommitted to excellence in care

Oireachtas open day informs of pressures incare of older persons

03 — NHI NEWS

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NHI representatives from across the country met with TDs andSenators at an Oireachtas Open Day to highlight the serious andsignificant challenges facing the sector in care provision.

In an event that was part of Nursing Homes Week 2014, the seriesof meetings featured discussion on the growing crisis relating toproviding long-term residential care for Ireland’s ageing population.

Regional representatives outlined recommended actions tosupport delivery of health and social care through the nursing homesector, emphasising considerable growth in healthcare requirementfor an older population that is significantly growing. They advised ofsignificant delays older persons are experiencing in accessing nursinghome care because of cut to Fair Deal budget.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, stated: “We once again called for aDepartment of Health led ‘Forum on Long-Term Residential Care’ toplan the ongoing and future residential care requirements of ourageing population. It is imperative we plan now to meet ongoing andsignificant challenges and issues that are arising. A key aspect of theOireachtas briefing was to explain to TDs and Senators the severeimplications of reducing the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair

Deal) annual budget by €107 million since 2012. Despite HSEwarnings of a significant national deficit in nursing home beds by2016 and under supply in urban centres, the resourcing to supportpeople requiring nursing home care is illogically being cut.”

“As a result of its near monopoly position, the State, through theNational Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) exerts significant controland influence over the rates currently paid for residential care in theprivate and voluntary sector. The reality is the State wishes to purchasecare from the private and voluntary sector for an average fee that is upto 50% below that provided to public nursing homes. It is placingsignificant and undue pressure upon private and voluntary nursinghomes providing care to over 21,000 people in our local communities.Nursing home care is of critical importance to health and social careprovision for Irish society. It is of critical importance policystakeholders engage with our sector to ensure appropriate frameworkis in place to support care provision. The appropriate supportframework will ensure persons fit for discharge from acute hospitalscan access the care appropriate for their requirements and alleviatepressures in such settings,” added Daly.

NHI representatives met with Minister forFinance Michael Noonan arising frompublication of the NHI commissioned BDOreport: Health’s Ageing Crisis: Time for Action – AFuture Strategy for Ireland’s Long-Term ResidentialCare Sector.

At the meeting, the NHI representativesinformed of the emerging crisis in respect ofnursing home bed provision, informing offindings within the BDO report. NHI informedof the key role the private and voluntary nursinghome sector is playing in respect of healthcareprovision, employment facilitation and in

supporting national and local economy. Itoutlined implications of inaction to support thesector to meet ongoing and growingrequirement for nursing home care and to meetthe care requirements of persons requiring thecontinuous care provided by nursing homes.Minister Noonan was informed ofrecommendations within the BDO report andrecommended actions in NHI’s Budget 2013submission. Arising from meeting, an NHIcommissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers paperwas submitted to Department of Finance toadvance proposals to stimulate sector.

Meeting with Minister for Finance

Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch pictured,second from right, at Oireachtas Open Day with NHIrepresentatives, from left; James Speedy, CloverlodgeNursing Home, Co Offaly; Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO; CatherineO’Connor, Bishopscourt Residential Care, Co Cork; Anne FleckByrne, Drakelands House, Co Kilkenny; Gearóid Brennan,Brookhaven Healthcare, Co. Kilkenny.

Minister Noonan, second from right, picturedfollowing meeting with NHI representatives,from left, Anne Marie Moore, Beech Lodge CareFacility; Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO; Frances Neilan,Carrigoran House, NHI Board of Directors.

NHI NEWS — 04

NHI welcomes Oireachtas Health CommitteeReport on End of Life & Palliative Care

200+ gerontological nursing opportunities

Nursing Homes Ireland has welcomed recommendations inOireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children Report on Endof Life and Palliative Care in Ireland, published 15th July.

The report is recommending development of a nationalstrategy on palliative care, end of life care and bereavement. Aspart of the consultation process, NHI appeared before theCommittee to advise re end of life care in nursing homes andalso provided a detailed submission.The report is recommending the development of a nationalstrategy on palliative care, end of life care and bereavement.With respect to “Access to Long Stay Facilities”, it makes thefollowing recommendations:

P Palliative care patients waiting to access beds under theFair Deal Scheme could be prioritised with the aim ofenabling them to access residential care in a timelymanner and thereby facilitate their final medical care in amore appropriate setting.

P In reviewing the current Fair Deal Scheme considerationcould be given to extending the definition of Long TermResidential Care Services, and the range of servicescovered by the Scheme.

P In reviewing the current Fair Deal Scheme an evidence-based cost of care model could be used in assessing thereal cost of residential nursing home care in Ireland.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “This important report can helpinform and lead public debate surrounding care provision forpersons dealing with palliative care, end-of-life care andbereavement.

NHI and our members particularly welcome therecommendations in respect of the nursing home sector, not leastthe recommendation of the consideration of an evidence-basedcost of care model in assessing the real cost of nursing home care inIreland. Prior to and since inception of the Fair Deal scheme, NHIhas consistently recommended such a model to support olderpersons care and those providing such care.” He added: “Fair Dealmust be resourced to meet significant growth in requirement fornursing home care and the recommended evidence-based cost ofcare model to support individuals care requirements would also becritical in such respect.”

NHI has also welcomed the recommendation nurse prescribersin nursing homes be allowed routine access to prescription pads.“This recommendation recognises the critical role of the nurseprescriber within the nursing home setting,” Mr Daly added.

More than 200 nursing opportunities exist within the gerontologicalcare sector and the number is expected to grow in the next six to 12months, a survey by NHI revealed. The survey was conducted tocoincide with Nursing Homes Week 2014. A dedicated NHI website that will inform of nursing opportunitiesand promote employment in gerontological care is being developed topromote employment within sector.117 private and voluntary nursing homes participated in the surveythat was undertaken in March, revealing many of the specialisthealthcare settings in our local communities require differing nursingdisciplines to fulfil opportunities.Key findings emanating from it were as follows:

P 232 opportunities were presently available for nurses

P 241 opportunities were anticipated to become available in theforthcoming six to 12 months

P 86% of opportunities presently available were for registeredgeneral nurses

P 7.5% for Clinical Nurse Managers

P 4% for Directors of Nursing

P 2.5% for other nursing roles

P 94 nursing candidates within the surveyed homes were awaitingadaptation

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “Our sector is offering a sizable numberof job opportunities throughout the country for graduate andexperienced nurses. This is a highly regulated and professional sectorto work within. Nurses require key skills, competencies andconsiderable expertise to meet particular health and social carerequirements of older persons. Graduate and experienced nursesshould be aware within our sector that there is strong emphasis oncontinuous professional development and further education.Gerontological nurses employed within our sector are offered greaterautonomy, responsibility and flexibility than those in the acute sector.This is confirmed by the feedback emanating from nurses who haveleft the acute sector to work within gerontological care in the nursinghome sector.”

NHI’s push for a forum/working group to ensure appropriate planning andframework is in place to support the growingand continued requirement for nursinghome care continues. It was raised again in Dáil Éireann by Deputy Ann Phelan,Labour, on 4th June. Deputy Phelan, who hassince become a Minister of State, statedbased on population projections by CARDI(Centre for Ageing Research andDevelopment in Ireland) and ESRI there willbe “major growth” in number of personsrequiring nursing home care. She asked then

Minister for Health James Reilly to ensurethat a meaningful forum on long-termresidential care, co-ordinated and ledDepartment of Health is established “todiscuss and plan the future of long-termresidential care and the broader carerequirements of our ageing society, bringingtogether all of the relevant stakeholdersincluding NHI, State bodies, including hisDepartment, the HSE, the NTPF, HIQA andrepresentatives of older people, with clearterms of reference. Minister of State Anne Phelan TD

Requirement for Forum reiterated in Dáil Éireann

05 — NHI NEWS

NHI survey highlights crisis in older person carebecause of extraordinary Fair Deal delays

NHI UPDATES

The extent of care crisis in older person care because of inordinate delays inNursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) release of financial support wasoutlined by an NHI survey published 9th July.

The survey of 122 private and voluntary nursing homes revealed asubstantial crisis in the operation of Fair Deal, with older persons requiringthe specialist and continuous care of nursing homes typically waitingbeyond three months from application to funding drawdown. The surveyrevealed the inordinate delays are causing deterioration in older persons’health and causing them and their relatives significant distress, worry andhardship.

It was conducted 3rd - 7th July and extracted information in respect oftypical waiting times for Fair Deal applications and impact inordinate delaysare having upon older persons awaiting financial support.

Key findings emanating from it were as follows:P 84.4% (103 nursing homes) were aware of a person/persons who had

been Fair Deal approved but were awaiting the release of funding tosupport their care.

P 96 nursing homes stated collectively they were aware of 364 successfulFair Deal applicants awaiting financial support – an average of 3.8persons per nursing home.

P Asked to advise of typical waiting times for Fair Deal support frominitial application to funding release, almost half – 48.1% (59 nursinghomes) - said waiting time was three months (12 weeks) or beyond.

The survey participants, who were from counties across Ireland, advised:

P Inordinate delays in receiving Fair Deal financial support are leadingto extended, unnecessary stays in acute, district and communityhospitals.

P Persons are being readmitted to acute hospitals because delay in FairDeal financial support is resulting in them being unable to avail of thecontinuous, specialist care provided in nursing homes. Families cannotnot provide the required care at home and older persons areconsequently being readmitted to hospitals. Older persons and theirfamilies are aggrieved the delay in funding approval is limiting careoptions.

P Persons have passed away while awaiting Fair Deal financial support.

P Hospitals are coming under pressure because persons are availing ofcare within such settings due to inability to access nursing home carebecause of lengthy Fair Deal financial support delays.

P The inordinate delays are causing stress, distress and bringingsignificant cost pressures to bear upon families. Families are grouping

together to pay for care. They are also trying to provide continuous carein a home setting while awaiting Fair Deal financial support to becomeavailable. Families are contacting nursing homes seeking to ascertaininformation re loved ones applications and asking if the process can bespeeded up.

P Nursing homes have beds available while nearby acute hospitals areunder pressure due to older persons being delayed discharges becausethey are awaiting funding approval.

P There is frustration at failure of health services to communicate realityof Fair Deal financial support delays.

P A significant slowdown in the HSE assessment for persons applying forFair Deal is being reported.

P Pressures are being brought to bear upon nursing homes as they are‘holding’ beds while prospective residents await Fair Deal approval.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “The findings emanating from our surveyhighlight severe pressures and distress being brought to bear upon olderpersons and their relatives because of the delay in release of funding for FairDeal. Nursing homes have informed us relatives are under significantpressure trying to provide continuous specialist care to meet relativescomplex healthcare requirements. Older persons are remaining withinacute hospitals for extended periods unnecessarily and being admitted tosuch settings because their complex care requirements cannot be met athome. The consequences of delays in release of Fair Deal funding haveserious implications for wider health service. Nursing home care is care inthe community that is provided by dedicated, specialist healthcare teamsand failure to access it in a timely manner leads to older persons availing ofcare within acute hospital settings that is not specific to their requirements.It can lead to a deterioration in health.”

“The findings emanating from this survey outline there is a crisis innursing home care that is going under the radar. When Fair Deal 2014budget was significantly cut we warned it would have very seriousconsequences for health and wellbeing of older persons and increasepressures upon acute hospital services. Our fears are being realised. Weagain reiterate our call for Department of Health to bring stakeholdersaround the table to ensure we address and plan for the significant growthfor long-term residential care that is escalating with increase in numbersgrowing older.”

The findings of the survey received national media coverage and keystakeholders, including Minister for Health and Minister for Older Persons,were informed of its findings.

A Seanad Éireann debate on Care of the Elderly took place9th April arising from findings and recommendationswithin NHI commissioned BDO report Health’s AgeingCrisis: Time for Action – A Future Strategy for Ireland’s Long-Term Residential Care Sector.

Senator Marc MacSharry tabled a motion that calledfor “the immediate establishment of a Department ofHealth led forum to consider and develop appropriatepolicy relating to long term care of our older population,especially to prevent a crisis in nursing home capacityfor the future”. Senator MacSharry called upon SeanadÉireann to note HSE National Operational Plan 2013which states “there will be a significant national deficitof long-stay beds by 2016 based on the HSE’s target of 4%of older persons in long-stay care” and referred to AgeAction warning that reduction in Fair Deal budget willaffect the sickest of older people.

Speaking at the debate, Minister for Older PeopleKathleen Lynch said: “I do not see difficulty with aforum…The policy in terms of older people must havestakeholder involvement.”

A number of Senators inputted to the debate.Senator Jillian Van Turnhout stated she was aware oflarge numbers of people in hospital who are unableto access nursing home care and Senator PaschalMooney referenced the motion informing for every1,000 people who cannot access nursing home carethe cost to the State is €273m per annum. SenatorBrian Ó Domhnaill stated: “Senator MacSharry is100% correct to highlight this issue and to call for theDepartment to initiate and lead a forum to develop apolicy in this area.”

An amended motion, tabled by Senator ColmBurke, was carried.

Seanad Éireann debates requirement to plan for nursing home care

Senator Marc McSharry

NHI NEWS — 06

NHI welcomes appointment ofMinister Varadkar as NewMinister for Health

Public consultation on HIQA reviewof Standards for residential care

NHI has welcomed the appointment of Minister Leo Varadkar asMinister for Health. NHI stated it looks forward to engaging withthe incoming Minister on the ongoing challenges andopportunities surrounding provision of care for our rapidlyageing population. It will continue to pursue the establishmentof a forum to tackle the issue of older population’s healthcarerequirements and the development of a strategy for the care ofolder persons. NHI has wished the Minister well in his post.

Nursing Homes Ireland is encouragingpeople within the nursing home sector andthe wider public to input into the HIQAreview of National Quality Standards forNursing Homes public consultation process.HIQA has commenced the nationwide publicconsultation to inform in respect of theStandards that are a revision of the NationalQuality Standards for Residential CareSettings for Older People that have been ineffect since 2009.

NHI is represented on the HIQAStandards Advisory Working Group byValerie Joy, Chair NHI's Regulatory AffairsSubcommittee, and Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO.

As part of the review, in the last numberof months HIQA undertook focus groupswith residents, relatives and staff in eightnursing homes throughout the country thatincluded a mix of public, private andvoluntary nursing homes. NHI Membersparticipated in focus groups and nursinghome residents, staff and relatives ofresidents offered views in respect of careprovision in the context of a discussionsurrounding the revision of the NationalQuality Standards.

NHI Regulatory Affairs Subcommitteehas reviewed the drafts brought forward todate and NHI has previously made twosubmissions. At launch of the revised DraftStandards 30th July, Marie Kehoe-O’Sullivan,

Director of Quality and Safety Improvementat HIQA stated: “The current standards arenow five years old and nursing home care hasmoved on during this time. We have alsolearned a lot from five years of inspectingthese centres and the new standards reflectwhere significant improvements have beenmade but also where further attention isneeded.

“We know that staff and management inresidential care want to provide the best carefor their residents and these new standardswill help them promote improvement inareas such as medication management,person-centred care, infection preventionand risk management.“It must be noted however that only 1 of the566 centres inspected by HIQA in 2013resulted in enforcement procedures beingtaken. This is clear evidence of regulationworking for the benefit of the people usingthese services.”

NHI’s Regulatory Affairs Subcommitteewill consider the latest draft in the comingweeks with a view to making a furthersubmission. Ongoing, NHI is affordingMembers opportunity to input into review ofthe Standards.

Read the Revised Standards and furtherin respect of the consultation process atwww.hiqa.ie and www.nhi.ie. Closing datefor receipt of submissions is 24th September.

NHI appointmentre nurse recruitmentNHI is pleased to announce the appointment ofMs Gráinne Hanly to the post of Project Officer,Nurse Recruitment. The appointment of anNHI project officer/recruitment coordinator isa key action that was brought forward by NHIWorking Group on Nurse Recruitment. TheWorking Group is focussed on workforceplanning to address significant challenges inthe recruitment of nurses within the sector. Ithas devised an action plan to address challengesand inform of opportunities in respect of nurserecruitment within NHI Member homes and toimplement and evaluate the plan.

Gráinne has over twenty years’ experiencein healthcare recruitment, management andHR. She began her recruitment career in theUSA, where she worked for six years as aninternational nurse recruiter with O’Grady-Peyton International.

Upon returning to Ireland in 1999, Gráinneplayed a lead role in the establishment of thehealthcare division of The Marlborough Group,where she recruited international nurses forleading Dublin hospitals and care facilities. Shehas led nurse and doctor recruitment drivesdomestically and internationally and has 14years experience with Centric Health in HumanResource Management, recruitment and seniormanagement roles. Gráinne will work inconjunction with the NHI Nurse RecruitmentWorking Group and be based at NHI head office.She will commence employment in September.

Minister Lynch commits to establishment of workinggroup to develop strategy at meeting with NHIMinister Kathleen Lynch has committed tothe establishment of a stakeholder workinggroup to develop a formal strategy in respectof meeting the health and social carerequirements of our ageing population. Thecommitment was delivered at meetingbetween Minister Lynch and NHIrepresentatives Gearoid Brennan and ValerieJoy, NHI Directors, and Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO,at Leinster House on 11th July. MinisterLynch, who retains responsibility for OlderPeople following the recent Ministerial

reshuffle, said the establishment of such agroup would have to await publication of theFair Deal review, which is due final quarter ofpresent year.

At the meeting, the NHI delegationoutlined its concerns regarding the absence ofa strategy for residential care requirements forour ageing population and reiterated NHI callfor establishment of a Forum on Long-TermResidential Care. Minister Lynch said sheunderstood the challenges facing the sectorand acknowledged a shortfall in beds to meet

nursing home care requirement isforthcoming.

The NHI delegation said the private andvoluntary nursing home sector has a key roleto play in the development of a formal strategyand this would present an opportunity forGovernment to leave a lasting legacy for careof our older persons. Such a strategy can putin place a sustainable plan that will addressfuture demands and requirements for highquality-person centred care for older persons,the NHI representatives stated at meeting.

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READ ALL ABOUT US!What activities are taking place in your home? How are residents fullling their lives? Whatcelebrations are taking place? Read all about us! offers NHI Nursing Homes the opportunity to publicise thewide-ranging activities that are taking place in homes across the country. It provides an excellent opportunityto publicise nursing home life in the positive light it should be seen in and members are encouraged to make usaware of what is going on. You can send any articles or pictures of interest to michael@nhi.ie.

RResident Mary Byrne has been crowned ComeDine with Me 2014 Champion afterresidents each hosted a dining

experience. “It was a fun competitionwhich saw some wonderful chat,friendships being made and laughterover the four weeks,” Elaine Molony,Director of Nursing at the nursinghome said. The idea for thecompetition was generated byGeraldine Murray, an activitycoordinator at Sunhill. Last yearresidents from nearby MoorehallLodge also participated and this yearresidents from St Ursula’s NursingHome, Co Meath, joined in the ComeDine with Me experience.

“The standard was exceptionally highand it was extremely tight competition

throughout the four weeks,” Elaine concluded. Come Dine with Me was part of a busy recent

schedule at the Co Louth Nursing Home,which embarked upon its first Summer

holiday in June. Eight residents andseven staff travelled to BallyhouraForest Luxury Homes, nestled in theBallyhoura Mountains, Co. Cork.Templemore, Thurles andMitchelstown were visited alongthe way.

During the holiday residentsenjoyed a daytrip to Cobh, fine

dining, card playing, film, and a visitto the Rock of Cashel. One resident,

Pat Loftus, indulged in a spot of fishing.Elaine said the weekend away “was

thoroughly enjoyed by all” P

Come Dine with Me and a trip down South for Co Louth nursing home

09 — NHI NEWS

The popular TV show Come Dine with Me is re-enacted at Sunhill Nursing Home, Co Louth,on an annual basis over a number of nights

Top: Mary Byrne, Come Dine with Me winnerLeft: Pictured enjoying Come Dine with Me are, from left, Ann Hamilton,

Mary Byrne, Gerry Campbell, Lauri Brazil Right: Sunhill resident Pat Loftus fishing off the pier in Cobh

NHI NEWS — 10

‘Skyping’ bringsnursing home andreligious order sisterstogether It may not be as direct as a nun’s prayer to God, but Skype isserving one nun and her sister in County Limerick very well. HelenMullane, resident of Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree, usesSkype to call her sister who has lived in an enclosed order foralmost 65 years.

Born Nora Sheehan, Sister Mary Michael entered theRedemptoristine Order, known affectionately as the Red Nuns,when she was just 20 years old. It is so called due to their distinctivered habits.

“I felt God calling me, it was like any other vocation and Ianswered the call,” she commented. “Overall my life has been veryhappy here; sometimes there are some negatives but overall it isvery happy. We all have a cross to bear. When I first came to theconvent, we were not permitted to go out at all - only to the hospitalor to the doctor if there was an emergency - but that has sincechanged. The rules have relaxed somewhat.”

They have been relaxed to the extent that Sr Mary Michaelvisited Beech Lodge last year accompanied by two sisters. Thenuns’ day begins at 6.30am, and is spent in prayer and meditation,and working in the convent in Drumcondra, Dublin. All meals areeaten in silence, except for dinners on Thursdays, Sundays, feastdays and other special days.

“It was only of late that we got permission to use Skype,”Sister Mary Michael explained. “It really is a wonderful thing.”Helen, who is 87 and originally hails from Bruree, stated: “I loveusing Skype; thanks to the staff at Beech Lodge for helping me withit. It is a great way to keep in touch. I can’t go up and see her asmuch as I’d like but it is not easy for her to come to me so it is greatto be able to have a chat with her. I tell her all of the local news. Sheloves to hear it.” P

ACo Dublin nursing home spent a daywith a film crew recently. AshfordHouse Nursing Home are part of

Eircom’s high-speed broadband promo and afilm brought together by Eircom depictsresidents using Information Technology andadvises of the benefits of it in bringingpeople together within the nursing home andassisting with health therapy P

View the video atwww.eircomwholesale.ie

St. Luke’s Home Foundation has launched Reminiscence, an albumtargeted raising up to €20,000 to support the delivery of therapyand activity programmes at the 128-bed home that specialises inalzheimer care.

The album features a selection of melodies by Lenore WelchMcGahan, daughter of me a St Luke’s Home resident. OonaghO’Driscoll, director of the St Luke’s Home Foundation, which isbased in Co Cork, said: “Music has power—especially for those withAlzheimer’s disease and related Dementias. It can spark compellingoutcomes even in the late stages of the disease. Lenore’s voice ismajestic and beautiful and we are privileged that she has taken thetime and effort to support us in this way. Her selection of well-known and much loved melodies is certainly one that residents,and purchasers of the album, will enjoy.”

‘Reminiscence’, which was recorded and produced in theprestigious Windmill Lane Recording Studios, includes themes oflove, memory and spirituality, all synonymous with Alzheimer’sdisease. The album is available for €10 and you can contact StLuke’s Foundation at 021 4359444 P

Reminiscence albumto support St Luke’s

87-year old Helencommunicating with hersister Sister Mary Michaelvia Skype

Pictured at the CD launch are,from left, Oonagh O Driscoll, StLuke’s; Cllr Catherine Clancy,Lord Mayor of Cork; LenoreWelch Mc Gahon, St Luke’srelative & singer; David OBrien, St Luke’s, and SineadBrady, Pepsico Ireland (albumsponsor).

Broadbandbenefits innursinghome careon video

11 — NHI NEWS

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10th anniversarycelebrations at Newpark Care Centre Residents, their relatives, and staff at Newpark Care Centre, CoDublin, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party. The northDublin nursing home celebrated its anniversary in May and theparty to mark the occasion took place 10th June. The theme for the celebration was ‘Hands’. This was to representthe ‘hands’ that built and continue to build Newpark Care Centre,the ‘hands’ that have made it a happy home for its 72 residents, andthe lifelong experience of residents’ ‘hands’. Entertainment wasprovided at the celebrations by popular band Tropical Storm andresidents, their relatives and staff took to the dance floor. Anabundance of tasty treats all went down a treat. Residents enjoyed the comfort of shopping from their own home asstalls were set up to offer them wonderful items of clothing andfootwear. This novel concept created a great buzz. The evening was a great success - a reflection on the hard work andpreparation that went into organising the celebrations.Congratulations to all at Newpark Care Centre P

NHI NEWS — 12

READ ALL ABOUT US

Tommy continues to paint positive picture ofnursing home lifeNHI Resident Achievement Award WinnerTommy Mulvaney has hosted his secondsolo art exhibition. Lord Mayor of NavanCouncillor Francis Dean was amongst thosein attendance for the exhibition that tookplace in April at Millbury Nursing Home,Co Meath - Tommy’s home. Lord MayorDean praised Tommy and Lucy FlynnGrillet, Person In Charge at Millbury, spokeglowingly about Tommy’s achievementssince moving to Millbury. Friends andrelations of Tommy joined staff andresidents of the nursing home. It was a verysuccessful evening and Tommy hascommenced building up his portfolio ofpaintings again P

Right: Lord Mayor Dean and Tommyopen the exhibition

Below: A selection of Tommy’s works

Swiss-born nursing home resident Erica Corcoran moved toIreland at a very young age where she met her husband and reareda family. She recently enjoyed her 100th birthday celebrations atCairnhill Nursing Home, Co Dublin. P

Centenary celebration

Retreat Nursing Home, Co Westmeath, participated in ‘OrangeDay’ 1st May to raise funds for the Join Our Boys charity. Thecharity was established to support three children - Archie, Georgeand Issac Naughton – who all have the muscular degenerativecondition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Retreatfundraised by hosting an afternoon tea party, with lots of music,singing and dancing. The charity is fundraising to build aspecialised home that will cater for the boys’ needs P

Retreat Nursing HomeOrange Day

Study finds private nursing homes more responsive to change At NHI AGM 2014, Dr Gerald O’Nolan presented the results of a study conducted by University of Limericktitled Ownership and Efficiency in the Irish Nursing Home Industry: A Comparison of Public and PrivatePerformance. The study posed a series of questions to examine whether public or private ownership mattersin respect of quality and efficiency of the service being delivered in the nursing home sector. Dr O’Nolanprovides an overview of the study and key results derived from it.

Arising from recent publication ofBDO report ‘Health’s Ageing Crisis: TimeFor Action, it is worth noting thatindependent, academic researchers -not connected with any commercialorganization – arrived a similarconclusions to the report last year.Their findings are positive news forthe private nursing homes sector.

In academic work, there is anawareness of the potential forprejudice and that it is possible todesign a project which will deliver theresult which best pleases the author.However, together with colleagueswho hold diverse opinions along theideological divide, we analyse datawithout fear or favour and let theemerging facts speak for themselves.

Sourcing data from officialIreland is no easy job. The researcherfrequently comes up against lack ofdata, inconsistent data and the sheerunwillingness of the civil and publicservice to allow access to the type ofinformation which is routinelyavailable in other countries to anyonewith an internet connection.

When I was researching for myPhD I encountered this frequently inrelation to the health service. My studies were about comparisonsbetween the public and private delivery of health services in Ireland. Iconducted studies on hip replacements, cataract extractions, theproposed co-located hospitals, the National Treatment Purchase Fundand finally, nursing homes. I did a lot of training in quantitativeanalysis at undergraduate level but when it came to unearthing theworkings of many of these subjects I found that there was no data andso I had to travel around the country and interview surgeons, HSEofficials, politicians and health entrepreneurs, amongst others to getthe information I required.

AANNAALLyySSIINNGG NNUURRSSIINNGG HHOOMMEESSThe case of nursing homes was different and very refreshing. As a result of thecommencement of the current regime of inspections by the HealthInformation and Quality Authority (HIQA) we now had live informationavailable via the internet. There on the HIQA website were detailed reports ofinspections of every nursing home in the country. Not only was every nursinghome included but most were inspected more than once, some up to seventimes. All we needed to do was to sit down and collate this information intoa data set and then apply some econometric analysis to it. Importantly, froma statistical analysis point of view, this was not a sample of the population wewished to analyse but the entire population of nursing homes.

At the time of putting togetherthe dataset on nursing homes, therewere 612 homes registered with HIQA.For all of these homes we extracted 23pieces of information, including: theage of the establishment, weekly FairDeal fee, number of residents, numberof staff, level of staff qualifications andthe number of deficiencies recorded oneach visit. We used deficiencies as aproxy for quality; that is, the moredeficiencies recorded the lower thequality. There are a number of academicprecedents for the use of deficiencies inthis way. We divided the data into threeownership types: public, private andvoluntary. Of these we looked at the ageof establishment. One dated from 1545,three from the eighteenth century, 30from the nineteenth century and one-third of all nursing homes commencedbusiness since the year 2000. Over halfthe private nursing homes wereestablished since 1997, the year that theFinance Bill extended capital allowancesto nursing homes.

AANNAALLyySSIISS OOFF CCAARREE ‘‘DDEEFFIICCIIEENNCCIIEESS’’ When conducting a study on any topic,we start by looking at the existing

literature on the subject and form a hypothesis to be tested. Much ofthe literature was from North America and Britain. It was difficult toescape the suspicion that there may be an adverse relationshipbetween profit seeking motivation and care for older people. Theevidence from the US, in particular, suggests that for-profit homesdeliver a lower level of quality than public or charitable homes. This isespecially the case for those large chains owned by private equitycompanies. This may be driven by the fact that much of the merger andacquisition activity in the sector is achieved by debt financing and sothere is a need to deliver sufficient profits to make the repayments.

Those who need residential care are unlikely to be the mostvociferous of ‘consumers’ and therefore those who are choosing anursing home for a relative would like to be re-assured that there is agood quality of service. Is this quality likely to be better if you pay morefor care or if there is a greater ratio of staff to residents or if the staffhave a greater level of qualification? We know that the public sectornursing homes, in general, cost 30 per cent more for care provision bycomparison with private sector. We also know that there is a higherratio of staff to residents in the public sector and that there is a greaternumber of staff with higher levels of nursing qualifications. Our datatells us this and the literature suggests that we should have greaterquality in the public sector.

VIEWPOINT

15 — NHI NEWS

Dr Gerald O’Nolan speaking at the NHI AGM in Co Galway, April 2014.

AADDDDRREESSSSIINNGG CCAARREE ‘‘DDEEFFIICCIIEENNCCIIEESS’’The reporting of a deficiency of itself is not a matter of concern as weexpect that detailed inspections will routinely uncover issues/mattersthat need to be rectified. The main concern is that the management ofthe nursing home will react to the deficiency and remedy it withoutdelay. Our findings have been presented at a number of academicconferences where the analysis was open to, and subjected to, scrutinyby experts in the area and we are happy that the results are a fairreflection of the reality in the industry. Public nursing homes inIreland are more expensive than private, have more deficiencies, butmore importantly, are much slower to react to the inspectors reportthan the private sector.

This is a surprising result in light of international evidence.Those operating within the sector know that there are many reasonswhy this situation may have come about. Members of the public canbe happy that the private nursing homes of Ireland are providing aquality service at a low price when compared to the public sector.

Inconvenient and sometimes traumatic as these inspectionscan be for individual nursing homes and their management, thefindings of our research are an assurance that this level of quality can,and is, being delivered by private nursing homes.Demographic changes in Ireland will mean that the demand forresidential care will rise dramatically over the coming years. Thepublic sector is clearly unable to deal with the standards required inthe future. Therefore it is probably time for government to takeanother look at the fee structure under the Fair Deal scheme andcreate the incentives needed in the private sector to provide the levelof capacity that will be required in residential care in the future.

DDrr.. GGeerraalldd OO’’NNoollaann iiss aa lleeccttuurreerr aatt tthhee KKeemmmmyy BBuussiinneessss SScchhooooll aatt tthheeUUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff LLiimmeerriicckk.. DDrr OO’’NNoollaann’’ss pprreesseennttaattiioonn ttoo NNHHII MMeemmbbeerrss SSeemmiinnaarriiss aavvaaiillaabbllee vviiaa tthhee MMeemmbbeerrss SSeeccttiioonn ooff tthhee NNHHII wweebbssiittee,, wwwwww..nnhhii..iiee

NHI NEWS — 16

STUDY KEY FINDINGS

The key findings emanating from thestudy, which is yet to be published, were as follows:

P Private nursing homes are lessexpensive to operate

P Good inspection regime means notrade-off between quality and price

P Private Nursing Homes react toinspections faster

P Public sector nursing homes do notreact over time as swiftly as the privatesector, and have a longer and larger listof deficiencies

P The Increasing need for residentialcare is unlikely to be provided from thepublic sector. This need will beprovided by the private sector

P To avoid difficulties encountered inother countries we will have to balancethe incentive to grow the sector withthe need to ensure that quality andprofitability are not adversely related.

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NURSING HOMESWEEK 2014

Sunday 15th June, the sun shone as residents of Ashford House Nursing Home, Co Dublin,celebrated and launched Nursing Homes Week 2014.

The Dún Laoghaire nursing home utilised its Bloomsday 2014 celebration to kick off a weekof varied festivities to promote the positivity of nursing home life. NHI Members incommunities across Ireland brought nursing home residents, their relatives and friends, staff

and wider communities together for the national celebration that ran 16th – 22nd June. This year’sevent built upon the success of the 2013 inaugural celebrations. Some of the more novelcelebrations included:

m A Mardi Gras themed World Cup party

m A Phantom of the Opera themed masked ball

m An X-Factor competition

m A Casino day

m A 1940’s themed celebration

m Mad hatters tea parties

m A visit to the Mansion House to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin

m A historical workshop looking at 800 years of fashion

m A summer fashion show featuring resident’s modelling their own creations

m Transformation of a chapel into a cinema

m Intercultural & intergenerational events

m A heritage and vintage day

m Residents and school students teaming up for a sports day

m A residents art exhibition

The more ‘traditional’ celebrations encompassed barbecues, tea and garden parties, song anddance, day trips, quizzes and competitions, reminiscence activities, baking, and pet farm visits. A number of high profile personalities participated in the celebrations. They included singersDickie Rock and Eleanor Shanley, sports personalities Ruby Walsh, Tracy Piggott, and ConorO’Dwyer, and RTE’s Paddy O’Gorman.

The Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Newstalk, and Today FM were amongst the mediaorganisations to highlight Nursing Homes Week 2014 celebrations. The Mail on Sunday, SundayBusiness Post and Journal.ie reported upon issues affecting care provision that were highlightedduring the week. Regional news outlets also featured the celebrations taking place in their localnursing homes.

During the week – Wednesday 18th June, an Oireachtas Open Day saw NHI representativesmeet over 50 TDs and Senators to brief them in respect of the significant challenges facingprovision of nursing home care and the opportunities arising.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO comments: “Thank you to all who participated in Nursing Homes Week2014 and made it the significant success it was. It was an outstanding celebration of the positivityof nursing home life and nursing home care. We are already looking forward to the 2014celebration and building upon the success and momentum of the inaugural 2013 and subsequent2014 national celebration. Nursing Homes Week provides an important opportunity to focus onthe positivity of nursing home life and celebrate the excellent care provided by our Members incommunities across Ireland.”

Host of celebrations promote positivity of nursing home life

NURSING HOMESWEEK 2014

Sunday 15th June, the sun shone as residents of Ashford House Nursing Home, Co Dublin,celebrated and launched Nursing Homes Week 2014.

The Dún Laoghaire nursing home utilised its Bloomsday 2014 celebration to kick off a weekof varied festivities to promote the positivity of nursing home life. NHI Members incommunities across Ireland brought nursing home residents, their relatives and friends, staff

and wider communities together for the national celebration that ran 16th – 22nd June. This year’sevent built upon the success of the 2013 inaugural celebrations. Some of the more novelcelebrations included:

m A Mardi Gras themed World Cup party

m A Phantom of the Opera themed masked ball

m An X-Factor competition

m A Casino day

m A 1940’s themed celebration

m Mad hatters tea parties

m A visit to the Mansion House to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin

m A historical workshop looking at 800 years of fashion

m A summer fashion show featuring resident’s modelling their own creations

m Transformation of a chapel into a cinema

m Intercultural & intergenerational events

m A heritage and vintage day

m Residents and school students teaming up for a sports day

m A residents art exhibition

The more ‘traditional’ celebrations encompassed barbecues, tea and garden parties, song anddance, day trips, quizzes and competitions, reminiscence activities, baking, and pet farm visits. A number of high profile personalities participated in the celebrations. They included singersDickie Rock and Eleanor Shanley, sports personalities Ruby Walsh, Tracy Piggott, and ConorO’Dwyer, and RTE’s Paddy O’Gorman.

The Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Newstalk, and Today FM were amongst the mediaorganisations to highlight Nursing Homes Week 2014 celebrations. The Mail on Sunday, SundayBusiness Post and Journal.ie reported upon issues affecting care provision that were highlightedduring the week. Regional news outlets also featured the celebrations taking place in their localnursing homes.

During the week – Wednesday 18th June, an Oireachtas Open Day saw NHI representativesmeet over 50 TDs and Senators to brief them in respect of the significant challenges facingprovision of nursing home care and the opportunities arising.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO comments: “Thank you to all who participated in Nursing Homes Week2014 and made it the significant success it was. It was an outstanding celebration of the positivityof nursing home life and nursing home care. We are already looking forward to the 2014celebration and building upon the success and momentum of the inaugural 2013 and subsequent2014 national celebration. Nursing Homes Week provides an important opportunity to focus onthe positivity of nursing home life and celebrate the excellent care provided by our Members incommunities across Ireland.”

Host of celebrations promote positivity of nursing home life

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY DUBLIN

Glenaulin Nursing Home, ChapelizodA Phantom of the Opera themed masked ball was amongstthe celebrations. To prepare for the ball, residents watchedthe Phantom of the Opera, learned songs and made 80masks. A wonderful soprano and harpist opened the night with thebeautiful song "The music of the night" which had everyoneenthralled. Great food, drinks and a night of dancefollowed. Glenaulin’s new stained glass window, which wascreated by the residents during the Bealtaine celebration,was unveiled. A wonderful time was had by all.

Harvey Healthcare, Dún LaoghaireResidents, their relations and friendscelebrated with afternoon cocktails!Other activities included bingo, cardgames, Who wants to be a Millionaire,a sing-song, movie club, fun club, andfun exercise.

COUNTY CLARE

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus

21 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY DUBLIN

Holy Family Residence, Dublin 14Celebrations commenced with an outing to Pearse Museumand St Enda’s Park, Rathfarnham. Then a Mad Hatters GardenTea Party with live musicians entertained all and Irish classicssuch as Willie McBride and Spancil Hill were resoundinglysung. Tea, coffee, tasty deserts and chef’s famous pancakesprovided tasty refreshments as the sun shone. Music was acommon theme of celebration during the week. A Céilíbrought jigs and reels to the nursing home with Come BackPaddy Reilly and Galway Bay proving particular favourites.Traditional Irish dancers performed and waltzing broughtresidents and staff to their feet. The liveliness of the celebra-tions was tempered somewhat with baking activity on theThursday that saw residents bake fantastic desert treats. Theweek concluded with a multicultural show and party. Dancersfrom Ireland, India, Nigeria, France and Brazil performed andBollywood dancing also entertained all in attendance. Thefantastic array of celebrations were enjoyed by all at HolyFamily Residence.

Riverside NursingHome, St Margaret’sJingles of the ice-cream van broughtback childhood memories.

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus

NHI NEWS — 22

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

23 — NHI NEWS

St Joseph’s NursingHome, Mount Sackville, ChapelizodA multicultural tea party with differentspeciality foods from all over the world and aGarden Party that had a host of prizes onoffer were two of the stand-out events. Irishdancing was also a feature and greatmemories arose from Nursing Homes Week2014 celebrations.

Swords Nursing Home

COUNTY DUBLIN

Orwell House, RathgarCelebratory activities included a Bloomsday talk, tablequiz, afternoon tea party featuring 1940’s & 50’s music,and a visit to the Mansion House to meet then Dublin LordMayor Oisín Quinn.

Cara Care Centre & TLC SantryThe two North Dublin nursing homes‘joined forces’ to host a Summer FashionShow. Residents from both participated,wearing personalised and designed t-shirts, hats, sunglasses and bags. Artsand crafts classes with the residentsfocussed on preparing for the show andresidents brought together individualpieces. Their craft was then modelled bythe residents at the show that broughttogether fellow residents, their familyand friends and staff of both homes. Agreat day was enjoyed by all.

NHI NEWS — 24

COUNTY KILDARE

Cúil Didín, TraleeA Summer Fest coincided with Nursing Homes Weekcelebrations and the sunny weather played a lead rolein facilitating a great celebration. Pictured from left aremusic Man Ron, Advocate Dan, and World Cup AdvisorTerry.

Kenmare Nursing HomeNine singers, four Irish dancers & threemusicians entertained all at the celebrations

Curragh Lawn, CurraghA Rio- Beach Party was hosted tocelebrate the World Cup in Brazil andto coincide with Nursing Homes Week2014. Cocktails, Mardi Gras masks,face-painting, sand, inflatable palm-trees and parrots brought colour,excitement and joy to the celebration.

COUNTY KERRY

Cloverlodge Nursing Home,AthyA barbeque, culture & food day,day trip to Dublin Zoo, bakingclass, & trip to the town marketwere featured celebrations.

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY LIMERICK

25 — NHI NEWS

Beech Lodge Care Facility,BrureeA series of exciting events marked Nursing Homes Week2014. Residents participated in a gardening session in theSummer sun and an ice-cream party helped cool everyonedown. A particular highlight was a Hunt Museum facilitatedworkshop that residents participated in titled 800 years offashion. Staff of the museum visited Beech Lodge to give atalk and demonstration to residents about clothes from thepast, and the societies of the time. The workshop coveredeight periods between 1200 and 1920 and was a hugesuccess. Other events included trips to local sites ofinterest Liscarroll Donkey Sanctuary and a visit to the TeaRooms at Doneraile Wildlife Park.The week concluded witha Summer Afternoon tea party, at which families andfriends of the residents joined them to sip some tea fromfine china and enjoy delicious treats.

St. Gobnait’s,Ballyagran

NHI NEWS — 26

COUNTY LOUTH

Aras Mhuire, Drogheda

St Attracta’s, CharlestownA Wild West Country and Western themedBarbecue kick-started the week’s celebrations,with Frank McCaffrey’s music setting the tone for asinging and dancing set. Staff got into the spirit ofthe day by dressing up in country and westernattire. A number of ‘special guests’ then appearedfor a fashion show that featured an impressivedisplay of finery. Guests attending included Elvis,Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Lady Gaga, Daniel O’Donnell, Mrs. Doyle, Ann Doyle, and Roy and HayleyCropper from Coronation Street and the inimitableMrs. Brown. The residents put on a wonderfuldisplay of style and glamour in what was cited asthe most wonderfully entertaining highlight of theweek. Other events which took place included anouting to Horkan’s Garden Centre, Fit 4 Life activity,Sonas and musical entertainment with Sister Ann.

COUNTY MAYO

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY MONAGHAN

Mullinahinch Nursing HomeFlower arranging, cake decorating, anevening with Monaghan Gospel Choir,traditional Irish dancing performed by theMcQuaid School of Dancing, pottery classes,basket weaving, blacksmithdemonstrations, face painting, butterchurning and a visit byMonaghan Vintage Club; it wasa hectic and extremely fun,enjoyable and interestingweek at Mullinahinch NursingHome that was enjoyed byresidents, staff and visitors.

Abbey Haven Care Centre& Nursing Home, Boyle Renowned Irish traditional and folk singerEleanor Shanley and musician John McCartintook time out from their busy schedules tocelebrate and perform at Nursing HomesWeek 2014. Eleanor sang old favourites likethe Galway Shawl, Lovely Leitrim, and MyIrish Molly. Residents danced and sang aspart of a very memorable performance.

COUNTY ROSCOMMON

Shannagh Lodge Nursing Home

27 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY TIPPERARY

St Martha’s, CahirCelebrations began with an outing to Parsons Green Open Farm inClogheen, including a boat ride and pony ride, and a scenic trip acrossthe Knockmealdown Mountains. The World Cup was the underlyingtheme behind the week’s celebrations. Each resident picked a country tosupport and World Cup bunting and flags adorned the home. A series offun game competitions took place, incorporating skittles, arch ball,marbles and bingo and at the end of each week trophies and certs werepresented. St Martha’s also hosted an afternoon tea party with musicalentertainment and special guests were two members of St Michael’sSoccer Club, Tipperary town, who were winners of the FAI Junior CupAll-Ireland Final. The celebrations ended with an education session fromReptile Village, which was a fascinating and enjoyable experience for all.

COUNTY SLIGO

Sonas Ard na Greine,EnniscroneA garden party was hosted at whichresidents enjoyed numerous games andactivities.

Willowbrook Lodge, FethardA Summer Tea Party & launch of cookbook entitled Home from Home A TasteOf The Pastwere highlights from theweek. The cook book contains recipescontributed by each resident living inWillowbrook Lodge and all proceedsarising from book sales are beingdonated to South Tipperary HospiceMovement.

NHI NEWS — 28

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY WATERFORD

Killure Bridge Residents travelled to Jack Meades for a StrawberryFair and a great day was enjoyed in the Summer sun.

29 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY WESTMEATH

Maypark House An arts exhibition and tea party wasattended by residents and families whoenjoyed refreshments such as, ice creams,cream scones, strawberry gateaux, sherry,Guinness and a variety of tea. Live musicplayed outdoors on the veranda and the artexhibition featured a number of paintingsby local artists.

Sonas Care Centre, AthloneFarmyard in your Schoolyard, a farm-themed experience,visited to celebrate Nursing Homes Week 2014. It was oneof a number of celebratory activities enjoyed by residents,their relatives and friends, and staff.

St Camillus Nursing Centre,KillucanA great week enjoyed by all! Activities included anart exhibition displaying residents works thatincluded a wine & cheese reception, a concert bythe Mullingar Harp School, Irish dancing, andspecial celebratory Mass.

COUNTY KILDARE

Celebrities and wider community were out in force atLarchfield Park to celebrate Nursing Homes Week and 25years of caring for older people!

Very special guests to visit the Naas-based nursinghome during the week were Dickie Rock, TraceyPiggott and Ruby Walsh. RTE presenterTracey Piggott and jockey Ruby Walshstarted the celebrations with theopening of Larchfield’ Park’s newmemorial garden, designed toremember past residents. The legendary Dickie Rock attendedLarchfield’s Summer Garden Party.Resident Nellie Delaney said herdream had come through. Dickiechatted with all and delicious 99 IceCream Cones served from a vancooled all down.

Throughout the week there wasfantastic interaction with the localcommunity. Kildare Clane Scouts Club,accompanied by their mascot dog Cody, provided acomputer and technology demonstration. The concept ofbacking a horse online was of particular interest to male

residents. The scouts also demonstrated how to build acamp fire and toasted marshmallow was the order of theday. The Scouts then presented each resident withhandmade loom bands.

Naas GAA Club under 14 footballers and hurlersdemonstrated GAA skills, rounding their visit

off with a sing-song. Other celebratory activities includedballoon shaping, a ladies hair andmake-up day, a reflexology andIndian head massagedemonstration, gardeningdemonstration on growing herbs, acarpentry demonstration, live musicand karaoke.

The closing ceremony saw theintroduction of Larchfield’s ‘Our

Buddy Scheme’ and presentation ofthank you certificates to residents.

Caroline Dunphy, Activities co-ordinator said:“The excitement during the week was ‘off the

richter scale’ and we enjoyed fantastic celebrations”.Congratulations to all at Larchfield Park

Larchfield Park celebrates 25 years with celebrity guests

NHI NEWS — 30

Creating a dementia-friendly environmentPeople with dementia can be unintentionally harmed by the environment in which they live, so thoughtfulimprovements to established nursing care homes and strategic informed design of new ones can greatly improve theexperience of all who live and work there, writes Professor June Andrews, Director of the Dementia ServicesDevelopment Centre at the University of Stirling.

Dementia is often described as the biggest health crisis facingthe world today. Right now there are thought to be 36.millionpeople affected globally and by 2050 that number is predictedto rise to 115.4 million. In Ireland the numbers are verysignificant, with around 47,000 people currently affected bythe condition and conservative estimates suggesting thatnumber will grow to 140,000 people by 2041.

While many people living innursing homes have a diagnosis ofdementia, we know that there are manyothers who have never been formallydiagnosed. In the absence of a cure fordementia, there has to be a greater focuson improving the care that peoplereceive. That is what the DementiaServices Development Centre (DSDC),based in the University of Stirling, Scotland has been working toachieve over the past 25 years.

We know that people withdementia can be unintentionally harmedby the environment in which they live, sothoughtful improvements to establishednursing homes and strategic informeddesign of new ones can greatly improvethe experience of all who live and workthere.

Until recently, one of the limits onspreading best practise was ‘reach’ – howto inform all those who need to know what they cando to improve the experience of peoplewith dementia whom they care for.Thanks to the internet DSDC has overcome this challenge with the launch of an online ‘Virtual Care Home’ that showcases keydesign improvements that can be made to enhance theexperience of people with dementia who are living in nursing homes.

Using computer generated room settings, evidence-baseddesign points are highlighted and ideas and information arepresented by scrolling the computer mouse across informationpoints on the screen. Many of these ideas are deceptively simple– maximise light levels, employ colour contrast to aidnavigation, create clear sightlines to facilities such as toilets, usefamiliar fitments such as classic designs for taps, and position

signage at an accessible height. But it issurprising how many dementia caresettings are in fact dementia “unfriendly”environments, making matters worse forpeople with dementia.

In designing or modifying anursing home, it is important tounderstand the psychological impacts andimpairments that dementia can bring andtake action-based, sound researchevidence. In addition, today’s healthcareenvironment demands thoughtful useof capital funds to ensure that wheninvestments are made, care settings areimproved to be more suitable for all thepeople who use them.The education of staff and culture of careare equally important elements to considerin improving care for people withdementia. It has long been known thatproviding education for staff can improverecruitment and retention as well asensuring that services improve. For too long health and care staff havepractised in ways that are underpinned bygood intention rather than in ways that are

supported by sound research-based theories. The Best Practisein Dementia Care Learning Programme provides evidence-based service improvement for people with dementia.

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NHI Annual Conference 2014 – Professor June Andrews to speak!Professor June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, is coming toDublin. She will speak at the NHI Annual Conference 2014, to take place at Citywest Hotel, November 6th. ProfessorAndrews has a Chief Nursing Officers of the UK Lifetime Achievement Award and received the prestigious Robert TiffanyInternational Award. She headed the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, and directed the Centre for Change andInnovation within the Scottish Government in addition to her career in the NHS. She advises health departments andservice providers around the world, and is a Trustee of the Life Changes Trust, an independent charity disbursing grantstotalling £50m across Scotland. She is non-executive director of Target, a real estate investment Trust.

The NHI Annual Conference speakers & schedule will be announced in coming weeks. Visit www.nhi.ie for further information.

DEMENTIA CARE

Professor June Andrews: “For�too�long�healthand�care�staff�have�practised�in�ways�that�areunderpinned�by�good�intention�rather�than�inways�that�are�supported�by�sound�research-based�theories”

In order to meet the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare, Nifast will assist you in planning and managing your Healthcare workforce. To achieve service objectives we will ensure your workforce has the competencies required to deliver high quality safe and reliable Healthcare to your clients.

Nifast’s Healthcare training courses are all designed to lead to FETAC Major Awards with subject matter experts leading each module. Nifast are accredited to provide the following FETAC/QQI Major Awards:

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Healthcare

31 — NHI NEWS

In order to meet the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare, Nifast will assist you in planning and managing your Healthcare workforce. To achieve service objectives we will ensure your workforce has the competencies required to deliver high quality safe and reliable Healthcare to your clients.

Nifast’s Healthcare training courses are all designed to lead to FETAC Major Awards with subject matter experts leading each module. Nifast are accredited to provide the following FETAC/QQI Major Awards:

• Level 5 Major Award in Health Services Skills • Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support • Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies • Level 6 Major Award in Health Services Supervisory Management Skills

Do you meet the HIQA National Standards for Better Safer Healthcare?

For more details on our suite of Healthcare Training visit www.nifast.ie or

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37 — NHI NEWS

Every week during the school term, a number ofstudents from a Dublin secondary school travelthe short distance to their local nursing home toparticipate in a ‘reading circle’ programme withresidents three generations removed.

Residents & students unite for intergenerational e-learning programme

The students of Beneavin De Le Salle College,Finglas, accompanied with teacher Paul Kelly, makethe short walk to meet with residents of Beneavin

House Nursing Home. Carol Cornwall, activitiescoordinator at Beneavin House, greets the students andteacher and with differing students travelling every week,each are assigned name badges. Normally the number ofvisiting students is kept to a minimum of five.

The interaction then commences. It takes the form ofa reading circle which sees the students reading shortstories via the use of ipads to the residents. A discussionon what the story entailed and what was within it thenensues. “However, frequently we stray into conversationscompletely unrelated to the story itself and it is duringthis time that the activity is at its most natural andenjoyable for all of the residents and students,” Paul Kelly,a teacher at the secondary school explains.“Intergenerational collaboration unites and improvescommunities. Beneavin House Nursing Home andBeneavin De La Salle College have developed acommunity initiative that gives our residents andstudents the opportunity to work together in a spirit ofintergenerational strength through their participation ina paired reading programme using iPads.”

Carol and Paul are the intergenerational championsbehind the programme. In 2012 Paul commenced a Mastersin learning at DCU as part of his thesis. His mothermanaged a day-care centre in Keady, County Armagh, andthrough this engagement he was aware of the ‘untappedpotential’ of older people in the community. The pairedreading programme subsequently developed throughengagement between Carol as activities coordinator andPaul as English teacher. Those participating run a successfulblog, www.elearningatbeneavin.com, that has receivedover 30,000 unique visits.

The weekly visits are enjoyed by the residents andbring anticipation, excitement, and facilitatecommunication between differing generations, Carolexplains. The initiative challenges the students and bothgroups enjoy the successfully selected stories. “Theinteraction opens further the pote ntial forcommunication by residents and the sessions bring a realsense of worth,” she states. “Everyone has a contributionto make to the group and the students show great respectfor the older persons. It is a valuable space for thestudents who have learned much from this experience.”

President Michael D Higgins met with representativesof the reading circle programme during a visitcommemorate the school’s 50th anniversary. Residentsand students met with the President and informed himof the unique engagement between the differinggenerations. Pictures of the residents, students and thePresident now proudly adorn the reception area of thenursing home. The ongoing work of the group was alsorecognised by the Generations United movement in theUnited States when Paul spoke at its 2013 AnnualConference in Washington. At the 2013 NHI Care Awardsthe programme was a finalist in the Community InitiativeAward category.

The programme and partnership is furtherdeveloping. This year it has added further participatoryactivities, building a new polytunnel greenhouse for useby the students, residents and staff both nursing homeand school. Plans are in process to build a small gardenand allotments around the greenhouse to bring furtherbenefits to nursing home and school. The blog informs ofprogress of respective projects.

Carol is asked what advice she would provide to othernursing homes reading this article who may be interestedin engaging in a similar venture? “The key in forming a

BEST PRACTICE

NHI NEWS — 38

Best Practice is a feature in NHI News thatfocusses on best and innovative practices innursing homes. Nursing Homes are invited tomake us aware of practices the wider publicshould be aware of and can contactmichael@nhi.ie if interested in contributingan article P

similar scheme is for management both at theschool and nursing home level to support thework of the individual intergenerationalchampions in their workforce,” she states.

How worthwhile has the partnership beenfor Beneavin House residents and staff? “It isdefinitely a success story,” she comments. “Aswe are situated within a community area, weendeavor to participate in community life.We have been involved with the school in anumber of ways. We have the paired readinggroup, the school music group hasentertained residents with their own style ofmusic and another class arranged a quiz forthe residents that was thoroughly enjoyed byeveryone.”

Top: President Michael D Higgins visitingprogramme participants

Right: The intergenerational interaction is aunique experience for the residents & students

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYNHI Upcoming events of interest

NHI Education Day: Medication Management within Nursing Home SectorTaking place in Dublin, the Education Day will bring together expert speakers to focus onmedication reconciliation, medication management, safe & cost effective use ofmedications, when to & when not to prescribe. This is an NHI Member-only education dayand booking is essential.

NHI Annual Conference 2014NHI is bringing together an excellent line-up of national and international speakers to discusskey issues pertaining to healthcare and care provision. This year’s conference will host breakout seminars that will deliver specific presentations of interest to nursing home providers andcare staff. Details of the conference will be announced in coming weeks and furtherinformation will be available at www.nhi.ie

NHI Care Awards 2014The applications & nominations are in! The fifth annual NHI Care Awards will againcelebrate & honour the outstanding care nursing homes provide on a constant basis.Resident contribution to nursing home life will also be rewarded at this nationalcelebration of outstanding health & social care. Visit www.nhicareawards.ie for furtherinformation.

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41 — NHI NEWS