Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other members, I thank Senator Reilly for putting forward this motion. It is certainly one I am happy to support. In my previous life before becoming a politician I was an occupational therapist, so I am well aware of the challenges in housing and working with older people to facilitate living at home for the longest possible time. Like Senator Reilly in his general practice, I have encountered many people who have had to deal with discharge planning from hospitals. At such times, families and individuals may seek more appropriate options in terms of housing, sometimes at a time of crisis. It is not as available as we need it to be for individuals following a stroke or for those with cognitive issues, those at risk of falling or those with mobility issues. We also have many people who are elderly. As Senator Reilly has pointed out, the need for development of bespoke housing options is important in terms of supporting our older population. As previous speakers have pointed out, this model not only provides options for older people, it also alleviates the current pressures that we are all aware of in the housing sector.

It is important to emphasise repeatedly the issues in rural areas. Rural isolation is a reality in many rural areas. Many children have had to move away from rural areas because of employment opportunities. They are not around to support their parents or extended family members.

Obviously, a different debate altogether arises with the issue of rural transport. I am pleased that, within the context of the motion, Senator Reilly mentioned location as being a key factor. As Senator O'Mahony has pointed out, I have seen at first hand the successes in terms of how supported housing models are working in reality. We have many examples, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul houses in Ballaghaderreen, the Millrace retirement village in Ballinasloe, and the wonderful Four Mile House at Kilbride Community Centre. We have seen that these projects can work in an excellent way to support older people to live with the greatest amount of independence possible. People there can access services and live with a good quality of life. That is what we should be aiming for in supporting our older people.

Obviously, we need cross-departmental co-operation. Another part of the debate relates to the HSE. At the moment, we have an intolerable situation whereby individuals in need of home help are being assessed as requiring home help, yet they remain on a waiting list. My point is that to deliver these housing models, we need cross-departmental co-operation. That is critical if we are serious about supporting people to live at home for the longest possible time.

They are the key points I wanted to make. The bigger point is that we know there is no immediate fix to all of these issues but, as Senator Dolan pointed out, we need a plan that is able to deliver. Certainly, the sentiments outlined in the motion could go a long way to ensure that we support older people at home for the longest possible time.