Vol. 569 No. 3
107 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the recent report from the National Council of Ageing and Older People that many people could stay at home rather than being forced into costly nursing homes if a greater level of day care was available; the plans he has for the provision of greater day care services for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17538/03]
I congratulate the National Council On Ageing and Older People for its work in producing the report mentioned by the Deputy. It represents a qualitative exploration of the views of older people, service providers and carers. It serves to provide policy makers with the insight of those who receive our services and the frontline providers of these services. It will also greatly help to inform my Department's approach to the development of day services for the older people.
When I opened the recent conference to mark the publication of the council's report, I pointed out that the cornerstone of policy in relation to the care of older people is care in the community. The overall aim is to support older people to live in their own community for as long as possible. Nowadays, older people are living longer and healthier lives, and those lives should have purpose and meaning. One of the important functions of day care centres is to offer older people an opportunity to meet with their peers and also to provide them with a focus for social interaction. Older people can also avail themselves of practical facilities such as meals, bath/shower facilities, medical room, hairdressing and other health and recreational services.
In recent years, health and social services for older people have been improved both in hospitals and in the community. Funding, both capital and revenue, has been substantially increased in respect of services for older people. Between 1997 and 2003, additional funding of approximately €270 million has been provided for services for older people. A portion of this funding went towards providing an additional 1,250 day care places.
The national development plan is providing considerable capital funding to services for older people in the period 2000-06. On a national basis, this will enable a comprehensive infrastructure of community nursing units and day care facilities to be put in place, with the refurbishment of existing extended-care facilities and the replacement of old accommodation. New day care centres have already been opened in places such as Finglas, Kilorglin and Mallow.
The health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A System For You, recommends the provision of an additional 7,000 day care places. It is my intention to continue with the provision of those places as resources permit.
