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Home care cuts must be on the agenda of Government talks

Published 30/03/2016

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Following reports that there is no funding for home care packages in many parts of Dublin, forcing older people to stay in hospitals, Age Action has said care supports must be on the agenda of talks around forming the next Government.

Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications at Age Action, said: “We need immediate and substantial investment in home care and other supports but that is just a temporary solution. 

“Without a statutory right to community care the number of older people forced to stay in hospital longer than they need to will only rise. 

“The next Programme for Government should include a commitment to introduce a statutory right to community care and to fully implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy.”
Launch of the Age Action General Election manifesto
A right to community care was a key demand of the Age Action election manifesto.

HSE warning

The HSE warned last year that they were facing increasing challenges in providing care supports.

Mr Moran continued: “The HSE warned in its service plan for 2016 that services like home care, home help and nursing home beds cannot keep pace with rising demand and our ageing population.

“There are a million fewer home help hours available in Ireland today than there were ten years ago in 2006. 

“In advance of the General Election every political party told us they were committed to supporting older people to stay at home as long as possible. 

“The best way they can prove that is to ensure that how we provide long-term care for older people in Ireland is addressed in the negotiations going on at the moment around the formation of the next Government.”

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Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.