Fears for future provision of care for elderly

ELDERLY care in Clare has been compared to a “ticking time bomb”.

The claim follows uncertainty over the future of three community nursing homes in the county.

Along with the lack of adequate funding for home helps, Cllr Brian Meaney has warned that the lack of supports for the elderly represented a time bomb.

His claim coincides with a warning from FF TD Timmy Dooley that long-stay residential facilities in Raheen, Ennistymon and Kilrush are facing downgrading or closure under proposals being considered by Health Minister James Reilly.

The minister has warned that up to 40 community nursing home facilities faced large funding cutbacks.

Mr Dooley urged Clare-based Oireachtas members, TDs Pat Breen, Joe Carey and Michael McNamara along with senators Tony Mulcahy and Martin Conway to make a statement opposing these measures.

Considering the money raised by the county’s community groups, Mr Dooley said any closure would be unacceptable.

John Hehir from Kilrush Community Hospital said the Government’s directive on the Fair Deal scheme was causing hardship for Clare families.

Under the new regulation, introduced on October 4, the Government will no longer pay retrospectively for patients admitted to nursing homes.

Fiacra Hensey of Clarecare said there was never enough funding for home help in the county.

However, he noted the scheme delivered by Clarecare was very efficient and involved a voluntary element as assistants often did extra, unpaid work.

If community beds are closed in Clare, he warned it would put huge pressure on existing services.

“I am concerned about the future provision of elderly care in the county if major cuts are introduced.

“I regularly discuss these concerns with local HSE colleagues who are equally concerned. Decisions are not being made locally but are being directed from the Government,” he said.

Michael McNamara TD, meanwhile, said he would be opposed to any reduction of long-stay elderly care facilities in Clare. He emphasised no final decision had been taken and accused Mr Dooley of “playing politics” with health care provision in Clare.