Shock as Portlaoise nursing home to close

A WELL-KNOWN private nursing home in Portlaoise has confirmed that it will close down, after 21 years in business.

News of the imminent closure of Ballard Lodge Nursing Home has caused shock and distress for residents and their families, who are now faced with trying to find alternative care.

The single-storey home on the Borris Road opened in 2004 with capacity for up to 24 residents. Planning permission was granted some years ago for a large extension but the development stalled.

Ballard Lodge currently has 24 residents and 32 staff, some of whom have worked at the home since it opened more than two decades ago.

Announcing the closure with 'deep regret' today, management said the nursing home had become unsustainable due to escalating costs and ongoing regulatory pressures.  

A registered nursing home under Dulinaois Ltd, the elder care facility is operated by Angela Duggan and Bernie Brennan and provides long-term, respite and convalescence care for people with chronic illness, dementia and palliative care needs.

In a statement today, management said: ‘It is with deep regret that we announce the forthcoming closure of Ballard Lodge Nursing Home after 21 years of providing dedicated care to the community of Portlaoise, Laois. This decision has been made after extensive consideration and due to regulatory challenges, that have made continued operation unsustainable.’ 

The statement continues: ‘For many years, we have strived to provide the highest standard of care for our residents, ensuring they receive the respect, dignity and support they deserve. We have been privileged to serve the community and to build strong relationships with residents and their families, who have placed their trust in us. This trust has been upheld by our dedicated staff, whose professionalism, compassion and commitment have been central to the care we provide. We extend our sincere gratitude to every member of our team, past and present, for the unwavering dedication.

‘The economic and regulatory landscape in which we have operated has become increasingly challenging, especially for a nursing home of our size. The Fair Deal Scheme, under which we provide care, does not reflect the true cost of delivering high quality, specialised care in today’s environment. Escalating costs, including those related to staffing, medical supplies and essential services such as energy and food, have placed an unsustainable strain on our ability to continue operations.

‘We also acknowledge the impact this decision will have on our valued staff. We are committed to supporting them through this process and assisting them in every way possible during the transition.

‘We sincerely thank our residents, their families and friends, our staff and the wider community for their support over the years. It has been a privilege to be a part of so many lives, and while this is an extremely difficult decision, we take pride in the care and commitment that has defined Ballard Lodge Nursing Home throughout its years of service.’ 

Management also said they are fully engaged with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and other relevant authorities, to ensure a smooth transition for our residents. They said: ‘We are working closely with families and care providers to identify suitable alternative placements that meet the needs of each individual resident. 

'Our priority remains the well-being of our residents, and we will take every step necessary to minimise disruption and ensure that they continue to receive the highest standard of care.’ 

Further information regarding the transition process will be given directly to residents, families and staff in the coming days.

In a letter to residents and their families earlier this week, Ballard Lodge confirmed the impending closure with 'deep sadness', attributing the decision to ‘ongoing regulatory pressures, which we cannot sustain’.

The letter stated: ‘It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you that, after much deliberation, we have made the extremely difficult decision to close Ballard Lodge Nursing Home.

‘This decision has not been made lightly, but due to ongoing regulatory pressures, which we cannot sustain, we find ourselves with no other viable alternative but to close.

‘First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the impact this news will have on all. Since 2004, Ballard Lodge Nursing Home has been more than a place of care, it has been a home to residents, their families and ourselves.

‘We understand that this will be a distressing time for everyone, we want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for everyone.

‘Our priority remains the well-being and dignity of all in our care, and we are committed to working closely with all of you and the relevant authorities to find the best possible solutions for all.

‘Over the coming days and weeks, we will be in direct communication with all residents and families to provide guidance and support as we navigate this transition together.

‘We understand that there will be many questions, and we will do our best to provide clarity and assistance at every step.

‘This is a heartbreaking moment for all of us ... but please know that we remain committed to ensuring that every single resident is treated with care, dignity and respect they deserve.’ 

A HIQA inspection in June 2024 found that Ballard Lodge, although a generally compliant facility with caring staff, was not compliant under four regulatory categories - ‘Governance and management’, ‘Premises’, ‘Infection control’ and ‘Fire precaution’.

HIQA made a number of recommendations on how these regulations could be met but upgrades have proved too costly at the dated building.