Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 117: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to make changes to the home care package scheme; her further plan to issue guidelines on the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45513/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Government Policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This approach is renewed and developed in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

The Home Care Package Initiative adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to support a highly vulnerable group of older people in their own homes. Packages are targeted at those at-risk of inappropriate admission to an acute hospital or long-term residential care, or those requiring discharge from an acute hospital. This year, the HSE will make available in the region of €130 million (including an additional €10 million provided under Budget 2010) to fund packages to around 9,500 older people at any one time, or approximately 13,000 annually.

An independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages, undertaken by PA Consulting Group and published by the Department in December 2009, indicated that, while the Initiative achieved its basic objectives since its introduction in 2006, various planning and delivery improvements were required overall. This related, for example, to standardizing access and process, and various aspects of governance, including management and financial information. The Executive has been working intensively this year to undertake various improvements in the area of Home Care services generally, through the development of:

1. National Guidelines for Standardised Implementation of Home Care Packages;

2. New National Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services;

3. National Guidelines for the Home Help Service; and

4. A National Procurement Framework for Home Care Services.

Significant progress has been made on these over 2010, with a view to implementation across Local Health Offices from January 2011. The Guidelines for Home Care Packages have been finalised, and training has commenced for relevant HSE staff. In addition, the Executive went to tender on 22 October last in connection with the Procurement Framework for Home Care services. It is the governments intention as indicated in the four year plan, to introduce a scheme which supports older people in the community. This will take account of the care needs and financial means of older people on a nationally consistent basis.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 118: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [45521/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.