Address provision of care for the elderly

WE are an association of older people, whose deepest wish as we grow older is to retain our independence and, with the support of “needs-led and person-centred” health and social care, to live out life’s journey in our own homes.

What we fear most is that we may become one of the estimated 5% of the elderly population needing long-term or end of life care; provision for which continues to be problematic.

The views recently expressed by Tanáiste Mary Harney regarding the provision of and payment for the care of frail and vulnerable elderly, have succeeded in initiating public debate.