Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Old age is something that we hope lies ahead for us all. While many are denied the privilege of growing old, sadly, there are also many who are in fear of becoming old and view it with worry and unease. One of the most common reasons for this is that they do not wish to lose their independence. They do not want to become a nuisance or a burden on their families. They may worry about being able to cope if they live alone or with an elderly spouse. Old age can create an increase in needs and an unfamiliar level of dependency on others to help with even the most basic tasks. None are more aware of the issues and fears associated with old age than those who are facing it.

In today’s world, elderly people are encouraged to remain in their homes for as long as possible. This is often their wish but they know they may not be able to do so without help. This can leave elderly people plagued by fears and worries. Those who feel their independence slipping away may fret over what the future holds for them. As the years pass by, their worries become more intense and they can no longer dispel their need for help and support.

On the other side of the coin, caring for an elderly parent or relative in the person’s home can be challenging for adult children. They can be torn between the needs of their own families or holding down a job or may be unable to travel daily to the older person’s home. There may also be fears of inadequacy in their ability to meet the older person's growing needs. They have not been trained to do so. Some people simply cannot take on such a role.

These are just some of the many reasons a complete and fully functioning home help and home care system for elderly people in Tipperary and across the country should be a fundamental part of the overall healthcare provision. At present, more than 25% of people over the age of 65 live alone. Life expectancy has increased. As the motion states, the number of elderly people will increase exponentially in the coming years. The need for the provision of a properly funded and fully functioning home care and home help service across the county is growing more urgent with every passing year. The urgency of this cannot be ignored. The issue has spent far too much time on the long finger.

I recently spoke to a community nurse and home care manager. This lady works for a private company contracted to provide home care for elderly and ill HSE patients. She co-ordinates a large team of home carers and nurses in County Tipperary. The professional services they provide make it possible for elderly and sometimes even terminally ill people to remain in their homes rather than becoming hospital or nursing home patients. These community-based healthcare workers carry out their work alone. Not only do they care for the needs of the patient, but they also provide support and guidance to family members. Their work is invaluable. The lady to whom I spoke stated that it is impossible to retain staff. Despite their dedication to their work and the importance of what they do, they are paid a pittance. They cannot survive on the money they earn.

I also spoke to the family of a recently deceased 95-year-old lady. This woman had a number of serious health conditions and was totally immobile. Her four adult children have jobs. Nevertheless, they took turns staying with her every night. If they had not done so, her one and only wish, namely, to stay in her home, could not have been realised. During the day, this lady was entitled to a so-called home care package. The time allocated to her was just one hour a day. A 95-year-old woman living alone was entitled to just seven hours a week of home care. In the course of the time she had this home care package, the family lost count of the number of different carers who came into their mother’s home. The staff turnover was huge.

The present system is letting down both the patient and the carer. The points raised in this Regional Group motion may not provide all the answers but the motion provides a valuable insight into how to improve the system. The home care system for the elderly is in crisis and that means, to our shame, that elderly people are suffering. Addressing this should be a priority.

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