Press Release

The government must act now to show commitment to older people in public nursing homes and prevent the looming crisis in long term care of older people.

Age Action today welcomed the launch of free access to GP services for people over 70.

Responding to this afternoon’s HIQA report on Sacred Heart nursing home in Roscommon, Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications, said: “This is the second HIQA report in four days that highlights inadequate facilities in a HSE-run nursing home. 

Age Action has welcomed this morning’s publication of the Government’s review of the Nursing Home Support Scheme, known as the Fair Deal scheme.

Age Action has urged the Government to set aside some of the additional spending promised in the coming budget to reverse the cuts to the incomes of older people imposed since 2009.

Age Action’s CEO, Mr Eamon Timmins, has called on the organisation’s members to ensure the needs of older people are firmly on the agenda in the coming general election.

Age Action has responded to today’s publication by the HSE of its Review of Elder Abuse Services for 2014. The HSE revealed that in 2014 the service received the largest number of referrals of abuse cases since it was established.

Almost 50% of bank officials have dealt with cases of suspected elder financial abuse according to findings published by Age Action and Ulster Bank to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Age Action has expressed its disappointment that older people were largely missing from today’s Spring Statement.

Age Action has marked the second anniversary of the publication of the National Positive Ageing Strategy by highlighting the Government’s failure to develop an implementation plan to develop the policies and services needed by older people.