Minister Mary Butler is calling on nursing home providers to act fast and submit their claims for the Nursing Home Resident Safety Improvement (RSI) Scheme. With a deadline of November 15, 2024, time is running out for facilities to tap into this €10 million fund aimed at boosting infection prevention and fire safety.
“We want to see every eligible nursing home take advantage of this opportunity,” Minister Butler said. The scheme offers up to €25,000 per qualifying nursing home for essential upgrades. Impressively, 284 nursing homes across Ireland have already received a total of €6.5 million in support.
The RSI Scheme isn’t just about immediate improvements. It’s designed to help private and voluntary nursing homes meet strict regulatory standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Minister Butler emphasized that the funds can cover work done as far back as January 1, 2020, giving many facilities a chance to recoup recent investments.
“We know these upgrades can be a financial strain, especially for smaller or older homes,” the Minister added. “This scheme aims to ease that burden while prioritizing resident safety.”
For nursing homes that haven’t applied or haven’t used their full €25,000 allocation, Minister Butler’s message is clear: don’t miss out. With the November deadline approaching, now is the time to submit claims for any eligible work.
Interested nursing homes can find all the details and application forms on both the HSE and NTPF websites. The Department of Health is overseeing the scheme, with the HSE handling administration and the NTPF managing applications.
This initiative represents a significant investment in the safety and quality of Ireland’s long-term care facilities, with the potential to benefit elderly residents across the country.