Seanad debates
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed)
3:00 am
Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
The Minister of State used the term "cognitive ability" in response to the issue I raised about the mental health needs of the elderly. Cognitive ability does not necessarily cover mental health. I refer specifically to people with depression or psychosis and those who may be psychiatrically unwell. None of these areas is covered in the evaluation.
Subsection (6) sets out that the evaluation will include an assessment of a series of areas, including whether a person is able to dress and bathe, is incontinent and so forth. However, it does not cover the issue of mental health. Given that subsection (7) explicitly refers to the professionals who may be involved in an assessment, I ask the Minister of State to consider inserting a reference to a geriatric psychiatrist in this subsection.
I do not need to expound on the wonderful care centres in my area where care services for the elderly require substantial additional funding. In the Mountmellick area, for instance, two physiotherapists in one care centre must deal with 140 patients, including outpatients. I am concerned about budgetary constraints.
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