The National Nursing Home Experience Survey — the first ever national survey of nursing home care in Ireland — got underway last Monday the 7th March
Residents in participating nursing homes — HSE, private and voluntary — will have the opportunity to share their views on the quality of care and support they receive, and how this meets their needs. One nominated family member or friend of each resident will also be invited to take part in the survey and comment on the care provided to their loved one.
The findings of the National Nursing Home Experience Survey will enable a greater understanding of the experiences of nursing home residents in Ireland, identifying examples of good care and pinpointing areas that need to be improved.
The survey contains over 40 questions on topics such as person-centred care, daily routines and activities, privacy, involvement in decisions, staff, and food and nutrition. Residents and their family member or friend will also have the opportunity to comment on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected them.
The Minister for State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD said: “Ensuring that people who live in nursing homes receive the best possible care and support to live as full a life as possible is a priority. The National Nursing Home Experience Survey is an important initiative that will provide residents and their families the opportunity to have their collective voices heard and to contribute to the enhancement of these services.
“I encourage all those who are invited to take part in the survey to do so. Their input will play a valuable role in the future development of the care and supports provided to residents of nursing homes in Ireland.”
HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards Rachel Flynn said: “We all have the right to enjoy a good quality of life and receive safe, high-quality care as we age. People who live in residential settings deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, to have their rights upheld, and to be facilitated to exercise personal choice in their daily lives.
“Through this survey, the first of its kind in Ireland, we want to hear what people living in nursing homes think about the care and support they receive, what they like, and what changes they would like to see. We would also encourage family members and friends to share their point of view by completing the postal survey.”
HSE CEO Paul Reid said: “I am delighted that the first ever National Nursing Home Experience Survey is underway. The survey results will give valuable insights into the care provided in HSE nursing homes and help identify what is working well and what may need to be improved.”
The results of the National Nursing Home Experience Survey will be published at the end of 2022 on www.yourexperience.ie. You can sign up on the website to be notified when the results are available
To find out more about the National Nursing Home Experience Survey, visit www.yourexperience.ie and follow us on social media: @CareExperience (Twitter) and CareExperience (Instagram and Facebook)
