asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to combat malnutrition among the elderly, particularly those living alone.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Care of Aged.
10.
Public health nurses are expected to pay particular attention to the care of the elderly in their districts. Social workers, employed directly by health boards or by voluntary organisations grant-aided by health boards, also have the duty of keeping an eye to such people's needs.
An essential part of any programme for ensuring that needs of this kind are not overlooked is the degree to which relatives and neighbours accept a personal responsibility. Official policies therefore place special emphasis on the encouragement of voluntary local organisations and on the integration of the health board community care services for the elderly with this voluntary activity.
Social service councils are encouraged with grants from health boards and provide a variety of services, including meals-on-wheels, visiting, day centres. There are over 250 such councils and committees.
The Health Education Bureau plan to launch a publicity campaign in the autumn, in consultation with the health boards, which will lay emphasis on the need for understanding of loneliness in old age and on the danger to which old people may be exposed if left alone for long periods. A booklet will also be prepared aimed specifically at old people themselves, containing information and advice which encourage their independence and confidence. Diet will be one of the subjects treated.
In view of the particularly harsh winter we have had would the Minister consider putting comprehensive plans in train to ensure that all steps possible will be taken to ensure that every assistance will be given to old people in the coming winter? I am sure the Minister is aware of the many references to suffering from malnutrition and of some old people suffering from hypothermia.
This is a complex matter and it will take me some time to deal with the questions the Deputy has posed. There is a comprehensive structure of services for the aged throughout the community. We are reviewing those services with a view to showing up any inadequacies there are and indicating what improvements can be brought about. That review is under way. I am also in discussion with the National Social Service Council about the whole matter. Furthermore, as the Deputy is aware, the question of providing heating for the old people is under review at present with a view to propounding some new service before next winter. At present the very long extension of the severe winter weather has caused particular problems and these are being actively followed up, investigated and, where possible, remedial action taken by the health boards.
The Minister had hoped to have a new fuel scheme introduced in time for last winter and that is why I was suggesting that now he might try to get plans under way to have a comprehensive scheme in operation for next winter.
I hope to do that.
11.
asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to establish a National Council for the Aged to co-ordinate, plan, and extend existing services for the elderly.
I am at present engaged in a series of discussions with interested parties on how the objective outlined in the Deputy's question can best be achieved.