Family carers’ report sends strong message
This report refers to the three million hours of weekly care-giving, which, in the main, goes financially unrewarded.
It also calls for the development of a national strategy for family carers. Care Alliance welcomes this report.
Given the concerns about the quality of care provision in some nursing homes, it is helpful to remind ourselves that the vast majority of older people, could, with adequate home-based care from both family and social services, live out their lives in their own homes.
There is considerable evidence that points to greater longevity and quality of life for those cared for at home.
At a national level, the 2001 Health Care Strategy promised several hundred primary care teams with dedicated care managers, a comprehensive system of needs assessment and timely access to a range of additional services. To date, 10 such teams have been developed.
There is little indication from either the HSE or the Department of Health that progress will be achieved in the near future on this matter.
Liam O’Sullivan
National Development Officer
Care Alliance Ireland
30/31 Lr Camden Street
Dublin 2
