Tipperary TD raises highlights critical shortages within home care and home help services

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry and the Regional Group of TDs presented a Motion to the Dáil last week highlighting the critical state of home care and home help services.

They emphasised the severe shortage of carers, which leaves vulnerable individuals without the necessary support they need. As a result, many are confined to their beds, unable to access the funded Homecare Packages they desperately require.

The waiting list for home support care at the end of March 2023 reached an alarming 6,432 individuals.

They called on the Government to take immediate action to devise and implement a comprehensive plan to address the impending challenges posed by the steadily increasing population of individuals aged 65 years and over in the coming years.

Census statistics reveal that nearly 300,000 people currently provide unpaid care, with 86,000 individuals dedicating 43 hours or more per week to caregiving. Regular breaks are essential for carers' well-being, and the absence of respite services denies them the opportunity to prioritise their mental and physical health.

Addressing the motion, Deputy Lowry said: "Old age is something that we hope lies ahead for all of us. While many are denied the privilege of growing old, sadly, there are also those who are in fear of becoming old and view it with worry and unease.

"One of the most common reasons for this is that they do not wish to lose their independence. They do not want to become a nuisance or a burden on their families. They may worry about being able to cope if they live alone or if they live with an elderly spouse. Old age can create an increase in needs and an unfamiliar level of dependency on others to help with even the most basic tasks.

"None are more aware of the issues and fears associated with old age than those who are facing it. In today’s world, elderly people are encouraged to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This is most often their personal wish too, yet they know they may not be able to do so without help.

"This can leave elderly people plagued by fears and worries. Those that can feel their independence slipping away can fret over what the future holds for them.

"As the years pass by their worries become more intense. They can no longer dispel their need for help and support.

"On the other side of the coin, caring for an elderly parent or relative in the person’s own home can be challenging for adult children. They can be torn between meeting the needs of their own families, holding down a job or being unable to travel on a daily basis to the older person’s home.

"There can also be fears of inadequacy in their ability to meet the older persons growing needs. They have not been trained to do so. Some people simply cannot take on such a role.

"These are just some of the many reasons why a complete and fully functioning Home Help and Home Care System for elderly people is not simply needed, but should, in fact, be a fundamental part of the overall health care provision in this country.

"The present system is letting down both the patient and the carer.

"The home care system for the elderly is in crisis. This means, to our shame, that our elderly people are suffering. Addressing this is clearly not something that can wait."