Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland has an ageing population and we are aware that we ourselves are getting old. In that context, we must ensure there is proper and comprehensive care available for the elderly and those who are incapacitated. The most desirable for anyone who is elderly or incapacitated is to be in his or her home. In such circumstances, I welcome the €10 million that has been provided in the budget for next year in respect of intensive home-care packages. I also welcome the additional funding being provided in respect of ordinary home-care packages. The latter will allow those who are incapacitated or infirm, but who are deemed fit enough, to be discharged from hospital and sent home. These people will still require support in their homes, either on a temporary or more permanent basis. Home help and other supports are essential to make it feasible for a person who is incapacitated or infirm to remain in his or her home. There are legions of carers throughout the country who make it possible for people with disabilities to live in their homes. I know some of these carers and I am aware that what they do is a real labour of love for them. To avoid such individuals becoming burnt out, we must strive towards providing supports to ensure they enjoy some quality of life and that their lot is made easier and more bearable.

When the nursing homes support scheme was established in 2009, the admirable objective relating to it was to make nursing home care accessible and affordable for everyone. Another objective was that individuals who benefit from the scheme might make a contribution. It is a matter of great concern that, as a result of budgetary constraints, there is currently a 15-week waiting list to access the scheme. Some 1,993 people are currently on the list. Budgetary constraints and a lack of money are, unfortunately, a reality of life for the Government. The former are both most acutely felt in the context of the health budget, particularly that part of it which relates to vulnerable individuals. The budget for this year alone was €939 million. In a reply to a parliamentary question I tabled recently, the Minister indicated that since 2009 the amount of money secured through the scheme in the form of loans from individuals stands at only €30.5 million. There is obviously a large gap between what people are contributing and the actual cost of operating the scheme. I accept that this is the reality and that the matters to which I refer must be considered by the Minister.

We must also reflect on the reality for those individuals on the 15-week waiting list to which I refer. Those on the list do not all fall into the same category. Some of them are in hospital beds awaiting discharge, so we know they are being cared for properly. This is not, therefore, an issue. There are others who are still living at home awaiting admission to nursing homes. The State is in a position to provide care packages for these people, even on a temporary basis. One would hope the individuals involved are being properly cared for and supported in their homes while they wait to be admitted to nursing homes. There is one category in respect of which there is particular financial hardship. I refer to those who have been forced to enter private nursing homes and who know they are going to qualify under the fair deal scheme. These people are obliged to fund their own care to the tune of thousands of euro each month. This is money which they take from their savings and when they are eventually admitted, they are not paid any arrears. I am aware of two cases - both of which I brought to the attention of the Minister - where the savings of the older people involved were completely depleted. These are extremely difficult cases with which to deal because they relate to those who are the hardest pressed. The money in question means a great deal to these people. I am of the view that the latter should be given priority in the context of any solutions which might be brought forward.

A review of the scheme is currently under way. This review is examining how the scheme might be made more sustainable, how the issues and delays relating to it might be addressed and how the matter of funding might be dealt with. This is an extremely important matter. If people are kept in acute beds or step-down facilities, the cost to the State is considerably greater than would be the case if they were admitted to nursing homes.

I am of the view that we cannot do enough for carers who care for people in their homes morning, noon and night and who protect the dignity of those individuals. However, I accept the reality that exists. Carers are fundamental to the notion of ensuring that people remain in their own homes. Carers should be always supported. Ultimately, it is cheaper to ensure that someone remains in his or her home. I am aware of instances where certain carers have reached their wits' end and are completely stressed out from being obliged to deal with various situations. However, they continue to provide care for people who, in most cases, are probably family members. We must remember that carers also have lives of their own. I would like to think they will take centre stage in the context of examining how we will provide for those who are elderly or incapacitated to be cared for in their homes.

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