Minister announces €280K programme for older women in nursing homes

A new pilot programme to support the health and wellbeing of older women in nursing homes has been unveiled by Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler. The €280,000 initiative, funded by the Department of Health Women’s Health Taskforce Fund, will launch in March 2025 and run for 18 months across four nursing homes in Leitrim and Roscommon.

The programme, developed in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, aims to address social isolation and improve the quality of life for older women in residential care. It introduces community-based services designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional health while fostering a sense of belonging.

Minister Butler highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: “This programme represents a significant step forward in our commitment to improving the lives of older women in nursing homes, an issue very close to my own heart. By introducing community-based services, we aim to reduce loneliness and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of residents.”

Services will include activities to boost mental and physical health, opportunities for creative and cultural engagement, and improved access to information and local supports. The programme also seeks to strengthen connections between nursing home residents and the wider community, piloting a systemic change in how these supports are accessed.

As part of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024/2025, the initiative reflects a broader strategy to support older women in living well and living longer. An evaluation report will assess its impact on residents’ loneliness, quality of life, and overall health, providing insights to guide future improvements in nursing home care.

Minister Butler expressed confidence that the pilot would pave the way for a more integrated approach to elderly care: “These supports are about more than meeting immediate needs; they foster a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for mental and emotional health. This project will serve as a model for reforms across the country.”