Minister for Older People announces €10 million of additional supports for private and voluntary nursing homes
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
- New €10 million Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme will assist nursing homes in improving and upgrading their premises and help meet compliance with regulations
- REE Scheme now open for applications – closing date 20 November 2026
- Up to €25,000 is available to each qualifying nursing home for eligible works under the scheme
- Claims can be made for eligible works carried out between 1 January 2025 and 20 November 2026
The Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., has opened the Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme for applications. The scheme is introduced to enhance the daily lived experience of nursing home residents.
Under the REE Scheme, enhancements to residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms, personal spaces, and communal areas are designed to support residents’ dignity, safety, independence, privacy, social engagement, and overall wellbeing.
The REE Scheme will provide targeted funding for structural/other works carried out to specifically enhance the resident environment, safety and facilities in nursing homes in compliance with Regulation 17 (Premises) of S.I. No. 415/2013 - Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 (as amended) as it applies to internal and external communal spaces for residents, their bedrooms/bathrooms, and equipment, furniture and furnishings for use by residents.
Up to €25,000 will be available to each qualifying nursing home.
Nursing homes may claim for works carried out this year between 1 January and 20 November 2026 and also for works previously undertaken during 2025, between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025, that meet the scheme criteria.
Minister O’Donnell said
“I am very pleased to open this new €10 million Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement Scheme. At its core, this Scheme is about enhancing the day‑to‑day lived experience of residents.
“Enhancements to residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms, personal spaces and communal areas are designed to support residents’ dignity, safety, independence, privacy, social engagement and overall wellbeing.
“The scheme will support private and voluntary nursing homes to improve their nursing home premises and meet compliance with regulations.
“I am aware that carrying out works to meet compliance can prove costly for nursing homes, especially for smaller, voluntary and older nursing homes. The aim of this scheme is to alleviate some of the financial pressures this may cause with up to €25,000 available to each qualifying nursing home for eligible works.
“At all times, my focus is on the safety and wellbeing of residents. It is important that older people and their families are reassured that our long-term residential care facilities meet the highest possible standards.”
Scheme details including application forms are available on the HSE and NTPF websites.
Notes:
- The Department of Health oversee the scheme and report to Minister O’Donnell on the operation of the scheme.
- The Health Service Executive (HSE) administer the scheme and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) administer the application process and provide support and advice to the HSE.
- Payments are made on a quarterly basis.
- Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of 20 November 2026.