Relief for Kilkenny nursing home residents as help scheme is extended
A three-month extension to the Covid-19 assistance programme available to Kilkenny residents currently living in nursing homes has been confirmed.
In one of his first major acts in his new role as Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly this week announced an extension to the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme until the end of September.
The original programme, which assists more than 30,000 people currently residing in nursing homes, was due to expire this week. The Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme was established as a temporary support mechanism to contribute towards costs associated with COVID-19 in nursing homes and provided support payments to nursing homes in April, May and June.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, people in nursing homes have become the some of the most vulnerable in society because of their age, underlying medical condition, and as a result of their care involving close physical contact.
The extension of the scheme, the Health Minister says, allows the ongoing preparedness in managing and mitigating the impacts of COVID-19, while supporting and protecting residents. It also provides certainty as to the conclusion of this temporary Scheme.
Announcing the scheme’s extension, Minister Donnelly said: “While great strides have been made in the response to COVID-19, including further suppression of the virus in the community, I believe we must continue to provide support to nursing homes and contribute towards their continued planning, preparedness and response to COVID-19.
“I am pleased to announce that I am extending the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) for three months, until the end of September.
“This support, along with the broader package of supports provided by the State and its agencies to private and voluntary nursing homes aim to further contribute towards the range of public health measures required to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens,” he added.
