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Census supports calls for homecare spending in October budget

Published 15/06/2017

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Budget 2018 decisions must be informed by the trends highlighted in the Census data released today according to Age Action, Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people.

An increase in the ageing population means that that the actual number of people aged over 65 with a disability has increased from 204,069 in 2011 to 224,388 in 2016.

Despite this the number of home help hours available, 10.57 million, has remained stagnant for the last 2 years and it is more than a million hours fewer than in 2011.

Naomi Feely, Senior Policy Officer with Age Action, said: “Unlike any other data source, the Census tells us about the entire population of Ireland.

“Decisions about the levels of funding required for home help services in Budget 2018 must be based on these figures to ensure that as many older people as possible can be supported to live independently in their own home. 

“Our home care services are in crisis. Across Ireland thousands of older people are on waiting lists for home care packages. This crisis is driven by a lack of adequate funding to address the needs of our older population.”

The CSO published Census 2016 Summary Results – Part 2 today which provides information about employment, education, health, disability and carers.

 

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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.