Findings of probe into care at 2 nursing homes run by Ireland's top provider branded ‘institutional abuse' after RTE doc

The Irish Sun

04-06-2025

THE findings of a new RTE investigation into two nursing homes run by Ireland's largest provider has been branded 'institutional abuse'.
Shocking undercover footage shows residents crying out for help, left in soiled clothes, and being incorrectly handled.
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A new RTE investigation undercovers how the elderly are treated in nursing homes
Credit: RTE Press Office Issue
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The findings of two homes have been branded "institutional abuse"
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The two nursing homes in question are The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin in
Both are run by Emeis Ireland, previously known as Orpea, who have apologised for the failings.
Undercover investigators posing as
On another occasion, the same man was left lying on a bare mattress before carers improvised and created sheets from incontinence pads.
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The 115-strong care facility costs roughly €1,400 per week for a resident under the Fair Deal Scheme.
The scheme is an income dependent, state provided system that helps cover the cost of nursing
The investigation found out that the home regularly ran out of basic equipment such as wipes, towels, and gloves.
And despite the promise of three-day training,
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In the
On one occasion, a man in a wheelchair whose care plan dictated that he needed two people to help him with personal care was forced to wait 25 minutes before he was brought to the bathroom.
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In another shocking incident, an
When she became agitated, the sensory mat in her bed, placed there because she was considered a fall risk, was left to ring for minutes before she was attended to.
Consultant Geriatrician Professor David Robinson said the findings amounted to abuse of the elderly.
'It's abuse - there's no other word for it'
He said: 'This is going to shorten people's lives and the lives that they have will be more miserable because of the situation that they're in.
'It's abuse - there's no other word for it.
'What we're looking at is largely institutional abuse and this is neglect in a setting which is supposed to be caring.'
RTE Investigates: Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes broadcasts tonight on RTE One and
In response, Emeis Ireland said the evidence of poor care delivery, improper moving and handling of residents, and a lack of dignity and breaches of residents' rights are deeply distressing, adding that it does not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect or practices.
Offering its sincere apologies, the company said this is not the standard of care it expects and not what residents and their
REVIEW BEING CONDUCTED
Emeis added it is fully committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the failings do not recur.
This will include, according to the statement, a thorough examination of the management and oversight of medical supplies, housekeeping products and continence supplies across all its nursing homes.
It is also to review staffing allocations at both The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor.
EMEIS IRELAND STATEMENT IN FULL
'Emeis Ireland apologises unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided.
"We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times.
"These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation.
'Emeis acknowledges the serious issues raised in relation to The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor.
"The findings are deeply distressing, wholly unjustifiable, and entirely unacceptable. We express our deep concern, as the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of residents in our care will always remain our foremost priority.
'We have commenced a comprehensive review across both nursing homes. We will not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect, nor any practices that compromise resident safety, rights, or dignity.
'We have issued clear guidance to all employees, where required reinforced through targeted training and enhanced supervision through best practice in individualised resident handling, continence management, and safeguarding.
"Additionally, we are reviewing the oversight and management of medical supplies and clinical practices across all Emeis nursing homes.
'Assistance programmes for residents, families, and staff are being established in response to the serious issues identified. We are committed to strengthening our culture of openness and accountability across all of our nursing homes.
'Staff, residents, families, and members of the public have access to a confidential whistleblower portal through which concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal.
"All concerns are promptly investigated, reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, and followed up with individualised safeguarding plans and strengthened oversight to mitigate the risk of recurrence.
'Emeis Ireland is determined to take all necessary actions to restore trust, ensure accountability, and drive meaningful, lasting improvements in the quality of care we provide.'