Michael Creed
Question:63 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he proposes nationally to improve health services for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18225/99]
Vol. 508 No. 2
63 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he proposes nationally to improve health services for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18225/99]
The need to develop better health and other support services for older people is regarded as a priority by this Government and is reflected in the significant increase in the allocation for this service. An additional £25 million has been allocated in 1999 which is being used to support older people in their homes, as well as improving hospital based services for older people.
The National Council on Ageing and Older People, which is the statutory advisory body on services for older people, has identified support for older people in the home, as well as support for carers, as fundamental to improving the quality of life for older people. This is also the consensus view of the various organisations which represent the interests of older people. Accordingly, a number of initiatives have been taken which will enable health boards to provide greater support for older people in their homes.
Additional resources amounting to £4.5 million were provided this year for the home help service. This allocation is being used to extend the coverage of the service by providing more hours, as well as improving rates of payment for home helps.
A sum of £1 million has been allocated this year to the health boards specifically for the support of carers through the employment of liaison officers and the provision of respite breaks. Additional funding has been allocated for the recruitment of more paramedical and nursing staff to be assigned to home care of older people which, in turn, will also assist carers.