Research into sheltered housing for elderly villagers

LOCAL government officials are to examine the possibility of creating sheltered housing schemes for elderly people in villages throughout Co Cork, after it was claimed this could save “massive money” for the State on nursing home bills.

The issue was raised by Councillor Noel Collins (Ind), a social worker who has studied the situation in detail, who said that many elderly people were taking up nursing home beds where in fact they would be able to live in their own communities if the appropriate sheltered accommodation was on offer.

“Housing policies for the elderly tend to be limited between encouraging people to live as long at home as possible, and moving into a nursing home. Elderly people deserve a greater range of housing and care options. Community-based sheltered housing can be financially supported for less than one-tenth of the cost of nursing homes,” he said.

Mr Collins received unanimous support for the move. Councillor Tomás Ryan wanted the county manager to set aside four or five sheltered homes for elderly people in every new estate planned in villages.

He said the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE) should help Cork County Council financially with the schemes.

“I know of a woman of 102 who is living in sheltered housing, but is far removed from the parish she spent 97 years in. She would like to live in her own community. People living in nearly every community in this county would be prepared to give a few hours of their time to help such people. It would save the State a fortune,” Mr Ryan said.

Councillor Paula Desmond said such a project would be an excellent idea.

Councillor Kevin O’Keeffe said that communities in his area of North Cork, like Kildorrery, Kilworth and Conna, had come up with their own projects to address the situation and were shining examples of what could be done.