The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has voiced concerns regarding ongoing media reports in relation to issues people are experiencing accessing adequate home supports.
The ASI is today calling for a definitive statement from the Health Service Executive as to the viability of rolling out all 500 promised Intensive Homecare Packages for people with dementia, promised under the National Dementia Strategy amid this climate of uncertainty.Currently, just some 133 packages have been delivered out of a promised 500.
Head of advocacy and public affairs with ASI, Tina Leonard said,“We are hearing concerning reports from services around the country that people with dementia and their carers are finding it increasingly difficult to access home care supports. We would now call for a definitive statement and timeline from the HSE at this time as to whether there is indeed a freeze on the provision of these supports.
“Continued cuts to home help and home care packages means people with dementia are being channelled toward long-term, institutional care when many wish to stay in their own homes. This is directly in opposition to Government policy which is to support people to live at home as long as possible.
“Appropriate home care should be provided as a choice to help keep people well in the community and out of hospital and long-term residential care. It is also vital in supporting family carers, who provide the vast majority of home-based care for people with dementia.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.