Nursing Homes Federation says abuses are not widespread
The Federation of Irish Nursing Homes has insisted that the abuses highlighted in a television documentary last night are not widespread.
The Prime Time programme highlighted appalling conditions and a sub-standard level of care at the Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, Co Dublin.
Speaking about the matter, Michael McCoy, the director of the Nursing Homes Federation, said the overwhelming majority of homes would be disgusted by standards at Leas Cross.
"I do honestly believe that there is excellent care and I do honestly believe that there are excellent nursing homes," he said.
Meanwhile, Age Action Ireland, which campaigns on behalf of older people, said society in general must accept come responsibility for the situation at Leas Cross and other nursing homes.
"We as a community have failed older people in allowing this kind of thing to happen," he said. "We should have shouted more, we should have called more effectively for action."
