Contradictory stance on homecare packages

I REFER to your budget report (December 6) that homecare packages for older people will be increased by only 9%.

It has been Government policy since the Health Strategy 2001 that the State will promote and encourage older persons to live independently at home.

My mother is in an acute hospital awaiting discharge, but she cannot go home because her homecare package has been suspended as part of the HSE recruitment freeze.

At a time when the Government is bringing forward legislation to introduce free nursing homecare, it seems contradictory to me to limit homecare packages for older people when, in fact, it has been clear Government policy for the past six years.

Catherine Maher

Shanlee

Castlecourt

Clancys Strand

Limerick