'Worrying gaps in provision of all-round elderly care,' says Tipperary TD

Deputy Michael Lowry has spoken out about the gaps currently seen in the elderly care industry.

The Tipperary North TD raised the issue in the Dáil last Thursday, saying: “Caring for the elderly in our communities is both a duty and a privilege. Providing them with the support they need for both their physical and emotional well-being gives an older person a sense of worth.

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"We got a sharp wake-up call on the importance of how we care for our older generation during Covid. As the number of deaths of elderly men and women increased on a daily basis, the magnitude of their value was brought into sharp focus. Their loss was enormous. Covid left a lasting mark on our society and particularly on our elderly.

“People are living longer, and this increase in longevity means that we must plan properly for the future. We must meet their needs and ensure that they can live contentedly.

“There have been significant improvements over the years in ensuring that older people receive the health and care support they require in their golden years. However, worrying gaps remain in the complete provision of all-round elderly care.

“Supports such as Home Help and Homecare Packages are struggling due to a lack of personnel to deliver them. At present, 4,800 older people have been sanctioned for Home Help Assistance with no immediate prospect of support.

“Day Care Centres, Meals-on-Wheels, Nursing Home Respite Care and basic Health Services within communities are invaluable for our older generation. However countless elderly people are denied access to these services.

“Public Nursing Home places and Step-Down facilities to assist in recovery from a hospital stay are crucial to making life easier, safer, and happier for our senior citizens. Yet only a fraction of those who need them can access these vital supports.

“Often, their only option is to rely on family. This can be an onerous task for families that demands total commitment.

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“Carers’ invaluable 24/7 work can go unseen. Without this selfless commitment we would undoubtedly face an unprecedented crisis.

“The Regional Independent Group place huge importance on the role of carers. Our efforts have already brought about an increase in the income disregard for Carers Allowance. In this Budget we are seeking a further increase in the income threshold, working towards the full abolition of the means test for Carers Allowance.

“It is said that the measure of a country’s greatness is based on how well it cares for its most vulnerable populations. Few are more vulnerable than our elderly people.

“There is much we can do to improve and enrich their lives,” he concluded.