A new research project is looking to improve the lives of thousands of people who need long-term support services.

The research by Sage Advocacy, and funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), will examine what the key human rights issues are for people who receive long-term care.

It will also look at how it can contribute to highlighting and addressing human rights abuses, where they occur.

It aims to give people who use long-term care and support services, their families and supporters an opportunity to have their voices heard - and to make a contribution to new future models of care.

Sarah Lennon is executive director of Sage Advocacy.

"People have told us... they don't feel they have a say, often, about what type of care they get.

"Most people would say they prefer to stay at home for as long as possible, before maybe going into residential or nursing care.

"But unfortunately the way our care system is set up, people are eventually funneled towards nursing home care - whether that's the type of care they want or not".

She says the pandemic has shown that things need to change.

"We know from our advocacy work that COVID-19 exposed the dangerous architecture that exists in Ireland in relation to our current systems of care and support.

"There are important and crucial lessons that this country must learn from the pandemic.

"And now is the right time to ask important questions about our current systems of care and support - particularly in relation to whether it is rights-focused.

"For example, does it offer individuals choice - do people have the right to be safe, to enjoy family life, to have dignity, autonomy, and self-determination whether in the home, in a nursing home or any other environment?"

Thousands of people in Ireland require long-term care and support every day - including an estimated 55,000 who currently receive home support services and 32,000 who live in nursing homes.

Anyone can get involved in the Observatory on Human Rights in Long-Term Care project by contacting project co-ordinator Niamh Delany by email: niamh.delany@sageadvocacy.ie