Widow’s appeal over respite home closure

THE state has slammed the door on one of the few comforts in the life of Limerick widow Sarah Hurley.

Ms Hurley, who is in her late 70s, accompanied by her son, John, 43, who has Down Syndrome, yesterday stood outside a special address at Clonile, on the Old Cratloe Road.

Up to June 15, it was her only retreat when she needed time on her own, whether to go into hospital or take a break.

Being the respite centre for the Brothers of Charity in Bawnmore, Sarah knew she could leave John there for a day or two.

But due to government cutbacks, the Brothers of Charity were forced to close the respite house a week ago as they could not meet the €150,000 a year staffing costs.

Ms Hurley, whose husband Ted died four years ago, said: “I got a sentence the day they closed the front door of that house.”

The house cared for five adults with intellectual disabilities at any one time.

Another 35 families also used it for respite care.

As she cares for John at home, she does not have a living alone allowance and in the last budget, John’s allowance was cut.

She said: “Hurt isn’t the word for it. I keep my son at home and look after him and it does not cost the state a penny. I don’t mind caring for John because I love my son. Now they have taken away our respite here at Clonile. At the opening of the Special Olympics here in Limerick, Mary Hanafin said she was the Minister for Fun. That hurt me. If you are looking after a handicapped child, you wouldn’t say you’re Minister for Fun.

“That must be reopened. No way can we do without it. I want to care for my son at home and not put him into full-time care. I love him too much, but we need some opportunity for a bit of time. I feel we are being left behind by the politicians and feel not wanted and betrayed.”