John Connor
Question:110 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for assisting community based initiatives which provide communal facilities for elderly people throughout County Roscommon. [158/94]
Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.
I am informed by the Western Health Board which has responsibility for developing health and welfare services for the elderly, that they are aware of two proposals for community based initiatives for the elderly in County Roscommon.
The first is the provision of a day centre for the elderly at Ballaghaderreen health centre. It is hoped that this day care centre will provide recreation space, a dining room, and kitchen and laundry facilities. This initiative is being taken in conjunction with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
In Croghan, a community centre is proposed to provide day services for the elderly. At present, the Croghan group are raising funds to purchase a site. A sum of £2,500 was made available to them from the Western Health Board's national lottery allocation.
Community-based services, whether provided by statutory or voluntary authorities, are at the very heart of my Department's strategy to ensure the most effective care of our elderly population and I will endeavour to make additional resources available in this area over the next few years.