RTÉ Investigates uncovers shocking neglect and abuse in Ireland’s private nursing homes

Two of Ireland’s leading geriatric experts have condemned conditions in private residential care after an explosive RTÉ Investigates documentary uncovered distressing scenes inside nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea.

Broadcast tonight (Wednesday 4 June) on RTÉ One, Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes features damning undercover footage recorded in two of the country’s largest private care facilities: The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Dublin.

Both are operated by Emeis Ireland, the nation’s largest provider of private nursing home care.

Describing the scenes as “shocking” and “disturbing”, Consultant Geriatrician Professor David Robinson said:

“It’s abuse – there’s no other word for it.”

Undercover footage reveals systemic failures

Prompted by whistleblower concerns, RTÉ Investigates placed two qualified, garda-vetted researchers in healthcare assistant roles at the facilities. The findings were alarming: vulnerable older residents left unsupervised, repeated staff shortages, basic care needs unmet, and inappropriate manual handling.

At The Residence Portlaoise, where weekly costs reach around €1,200 under the Fair Deal scheme, residents were regularly left waiting for assistance with going to bed or using the toilet. Although some staff were seen providing attentive care, these moments were overshadowed by widespread neglect.

Consultant Geriatrician Professor David Robinson 

“What we’re looking at is largely institutional abuse,” Prof Robinson added. “This is neglect in a setting which is supposed to be caring.”

Researchers also documented residents being lifted under their arms without equipment, in direct contravention of best practice. In one disturbing instance, management reportedly discouraged the use of hoists in public areas to avoid visitors seeing poor handling techniques.

Beneavin Manor also under scrutiny

Conditions were equally troubling at Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, where care costs under the Fair Deal scheme are around €1,400 per week. Here, staff were seen grappling with chronic shortages of basic supplies such as towels, bedsheets, gloves and sanitary wipes.

Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician

Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician, questioned the operational shortcomings:

“It’s pretty shocking to be honest with you… one would have to ask in terms of supply chains why staff don’t have access to the equipment to do their job appropriately?”

Residents were also inappropriately handled, at times lifted by their clothing in ways that directly violated their personal care plans.

Professor Amanda Phelan, from the School of Nursing at Dublin City University, expressed concern over the working conditions faced by staff:

“How can staff work under those sorts of conditions? It’s very, very challenging.”

Emeis Ireland issues apology and commits to review

In response, Emeis Ireland has issued a formal apology to residents and their families, stating that the footage and findings are “deeply distressing”.

The company added that it does not tolerate any form of neglect—whether individual or systemic—and has launched a comprehensive review into both facilities.

A spokesperson for the company stated:

“This is not the standard of care we expect, and not what residents and their families deserve.”

Emeis also confirmed that it would be reviewing staffing allocations and practices at both nursing homes.

Regulatory response

RTÉ confirmed that all findings were reported to senior management and to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The regulator has since required compliance plans from both homes and is in the process of finalising inspection reports.

HIQA said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure standards are urgently improved.

Watch the documentary

RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes airs tonight, Wednesday 4 June at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and will also be available to stream on the RTÉ Player.

Trailer below: