Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

410. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a recently published study entitled Meeting Older People's Preference for Care (details supplied). [15400/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome this report, a collaborative research project undertaken by the Irish Association of Social Workers, Age Action the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin. The report examined how the health and social care system is responding to the care needs, required supports and preferences of older people, as perceived by Social Workers working with older people.

The findings show that the preferences of older people are to remain in their homes for as long as possible, receiving care in this setting when needed. The report suggests that the present social care approach has not been resourced adequately to meet the actual needs of older people.

I recognise that most older people want to stay at home and in their communities for as long as possible and this Government is committed to facilitating this. Demand for home care services is rising as more people are supported in their own homes rather than in hospitals or nursing homes and I am delighted that the Government has been able to respond to this demand by providing additional resources for home care services. Details will be announced shortly.