Caring for elderly at home a priority

TÁNAISTE and Health Minister Mary Harney has promised that a €150 million healthcare package for the elderly announced in this week’s Budget will focused on caring for people at home.

The PD leader said that almost three out of 10 existing nursing home residents could be treated at home because they did not require full-time care.

Announcing details of the package in Dublin yesterday, the Tánaiste said: “This will mean a major improvement in home and community-based support for older people.”