Cllr Ciarán Ahern of the Labour Party has encouraged members of the public to make a submission to the public consultation currently being run by the independent Commission on Care for Older People.
Just this week, ALONE, the national organisation that enables older people to age at home, published its 2023 annual report showing that 7,188 volunteers made 91,188 visits to older people in their localities last year. The volunteer visiting and befriending service is a key part of ALONE’s framework of support for older people to live independently and included in their community. Other crucial ALONE services include personalised support planning, a telephone support and befriending line, and the provision of housing.
Cllr Ahern congratulated ALONE and its staff and volunteers on their invaluable impact on the lives of older people and their families and communities up and down the country. Cllr Ahern said: ‘The benefits to older people of remaining at home and staying included in their communities cannot be overstated. ALONE volunteers, and family members, friends and community members everywhere play an essential role in ensuring older people can enjoy their right to live as they choose.’ Cllr Ahern continued: ‘Older people themselves are hugely involved in providing voluntary care and support to their families and in their communities. There is a need for greater societal recognition of this important work.’
Cllr Ahern called on anyone with an interest in older people’s services and supports to make a submission to the ongoing Consultation being run by the independent Commission on Care for Older People. Cllr Ahern noted: ‘Research consistently shows that Ireland is out of step with our European neighbours in failing to have a fair and consistent state system of home and community care services and supports. Volunteers cannot be expected to fill gaps that are the State’s responsibility. Older people’s clear preference is to remain living at home and included in their community, rather than being forced into institutional care.’ Cllr Ahern noted: ‘When residential care is needed, community support should still be part of older people’s lives.’ Cllr Ahern added: ‘My hope is that the Commission on Care for Older People will recommend a statutory framework of home and community care services and supports, that will enable older people in Ireland to live as they choose.’
