Market Research / Secondary Research / Industry Analysis on Nursing Care Facilities in Ireland

Essay by lyalyaUniversity, Master'sA, February 2009

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Industry Analysis on Nursing Care Facilities in Ireland

The Irish Culture and History, background for nursing homes

Historically in Ireland the older generations were a part of the family unit. Particularly in rural Ireland where the eldest son would inherit the family home and would move in with his family and look after his parents. This trend has changed considerably in passing generations and at present is rarely observed. As the economy of Ireland moved from rural based to more technical and knowledge based the family unit has adapted. As people move to more urban areas and lifestyles change often there is no one in the house who can look after an elderly relative due to employment obligations. As a result nursing homes have grown in popularity. This change in the Irish family unit in addition to a growing elderly population means that the government alone cannot provide for the elderly on a long term basis resulting in the emergence of private nursing homes.

Since the growth phenomenon known as the celtic tiger hit Ireland in the 90's attitudes and lifestyles in Ireland have changed again and people have more discretionary income which has resulted in the demand for more luxurious nursing homes. Although growth in the Irish economy has slowed considerably since the celtic tiger and is currently in a state of recession the population trends indicate that demand for nursing homes will remain high.

In addition to the cultural shift in Ireland and the lifestyle shift that accompanied it, there is growing popularity for nursing homes due to the health sector in Ireland. The health sector in Ireland is in crisis demonstrated by hospital closures, lack of beds and ward closures. As a result there is a lack of confidence in the sector and growing dissatisfaction with public...