Seán Crowe T.D. has said that it is extremely worrying that over 6,000 of the most vulnerable people in our society, such as older people and those with disabilities, are waiting for home support services to allow them remain in their home setting. The TD said that in the CHO area 7 which covers Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West and South West, 973 people are waiting for home support and this is creating a backlog in step down facilities and for Tallaght University Hospital.
Teachta Seán Crowe said: “Home support services such as home care packages and home help hours are some of the most vital services that the Health Service Executive (HSE) provide. Not only do they allow many older people to stay in their homes, but they are also incredibly important for those with serious impairments or disabilities.
“Care delivered in the home is the preferred option of care for most people. “As a TD I have been continuously calling for more home help support services in order to meet the clear need that exists. My office in Tallaght is contacted on a weekly basis by constituents who are waiting for vital home supports for a loved one who feels trapped in a step down or a hospital bed. Many feel well enough to go home but are unable to so without supports.
“We know that demographics are changing and we have a growing older population, this is contributing to this growing demand. By supporting more people to stay in a home setting there is the added benefit of reduced demand for residential care as a care option and another practical reason why there should be more home supports.
“Unfortunately, this current Government has taken a lack lustre approach to funding this service to the point that there are now 6,118 people waiting for a home support service across the State. “The CHO Area 7 which includes Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West and South West has a whopping 973 people waiting for home supports, which in turn is creating a backlog in step down facilities and for hospitals like Tallaght.
“Getting older or having a disability should not leave you feeling ignored, invisible, or abandoned. To begin building a more inclusive society we need to start ensuring that older people and those who have a disability can live at home with respect, with dignity, and as independently as possible. “We need to ensure that home support services are funded correctly in order to meet the growing needs and requirement, particularly of all those older and more vulnerable people who increasingly need these vital services.”
