Longford MD welcomes new Healthy Age Friendly Homes coordinator
Local Coordinator explained the key objectives of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes
Details of a national programme to support the elderly to live in their own home for longer were outlined to members of Longford Municipal District at the July meeting of the authority.
The presentation from the new Healthy Age Friendly Homes Local Coordinator, Caroline Doyle, outlined the focus of the programme. Ms Doyle recently took over the post from the outgoing co-ordinator Mary Carey.
In her address to the members Ms Doyle said her role is to support and enable people over 65 to live longer healthier lives in their own home, while being and feeling part of their community.
The Local Coordinator explained the key objectives of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes is to support the avoidance of early or premature admission to long term residential care and live with a sense of independence and autonomy.
Focussing on housing, health, finance, technology and energy and climate the programme aims to link people in with community groups to support them with a range of needs.
Welcoming the new Age Friendly Homes Local Coordinator MD member, Cllr Martin Monaghan, said: “This is a vital service. We are an MD with a large urban centre. There are a lot of elderly people who can benefit from the support of the service.”
The importance of the post was acknowledged by members: “I am really looking forward to working with you. You bring a nursing perspective to the role,” Cllr Peggy Nolan said, “Elderly people can be very proud. It can sometimes take a lot for them to ask for help. This council appreciates there is someone dedicated to looking after those needs.”
The programme’s ambition is to provide a range of alternatives for older people who may otherwise transition into long term residential care prematurely.