Hope of residential care fades for Rosie

IF Rosie Byrne’s prospects were glum last week, they’re even bleaker now.

One of 344 mentally-handicapped people on a waiting list for residential care in St Michael’s Home, her chances of getting a place diminished further yesterday.

Health Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that the money is simply not there to make any significant dent on waiting lists for residential, respite and day care, which stand at 1,711, 1,014 and 861 respectively.

After a substantial funding programme in 2000 and 2001 provided 850 residential places, followed by a further 100 this year, the money has dried up.

Rosie, 25, will have to remain in her home at Grangemore Estate, Raheny, Co Dublin, for the foreseeable future, despite her mother’s poor health and advancing years.

Rosaleen Byrne’s dearest wish had been to see her physically disabled, mentally handicapped, asthmatic daughter, whose body is locked in a brace, settled and happy in her own latter years.

Paul Byrne, chief executive of St Michael’s House, says her chances are a lot slimmer following the revelation of a cut in care places.

“Last week, I had seven clients, whose parents had died, consigned to respite beds because there was simply nowhere else for them to go. I expect to have 15 such clients by Christmas. We’re finding it hard to accommodate emergencies so it definitely makes the situation worse for Rosie and her family.”

Mr Ledwidge welcomed the €100 increase in the respite grant for families, bringing it up to €735, but said the costs of looking after a client like Rosie are in the region of €700 a week.