MD hears of uptake of Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme in Longford

Details of a pilot national programme rolled out in Longford to support the elderly to live in their own home for longer were outlined to members of Ballymahon Municipal District at the March meeting of the authority.

The presentation from Healthy Age Friendly Homes Local Coordinator, Mary Carey, outlined the focus of the programme.

Ms Carey said her role is to support and enable people to live longer healthier lives in their own home, while being and feeling part of their community.

The Local Coordinator explained that she took up the role in May 2020. Ms Carey has assisted service users with applications for housing adaptation and retrofitting under the warmer homes scheme.

Among 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.

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She told members they are one year into phase one of a two-year programme: “We are already documenting positive outcomes. Nationally the programme has received over 1,700 referrals, from multi-disciplinary sources, and carried out 1,600 home visits, with over 3,200 actions in progress.”

The Local Coordinator said by ensuring the elderly are in a suitable living environment for accessibility, size, safety, and environment, and warmth, the programme supports older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence.

Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator carries out a needs assessment to establish what supports are required to enable the elderly to continue living independently in their own home for longer.

Ms Carey said she provides information on adapting existing homes and the relevant grants available to support necessary changes, with a focus on universal design and energy efficiency. The Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme also provide access to a range of housing, health and social care supports.

“A lot of the elderly we have worked with are from rural areas. The bulk would be in the Ballymahon and Granard Municipal District Area,” she told the meeting.

Thanking the speaker for their contribution MD Cathaoirleach, Paul Ross, said one of the biggest issues members are contacted about are the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. He said any support the elderly have in accessing such schemes is very welcome.

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Longford is one of nine Local Authority areas, including Cork County Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Galway County & City Council, Limerick City & County Council, South Dublin County Council, Tipperary County Council, Westmeath County Council participating in the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. It's being evaluated by Maynooth University.