Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2013
190. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the funding and grants available to assist communities established day care centres for the elderly; the other supports his Department and the Health Service Executive offer communities that wish to establish day care centres for the elderly; if he has a strategy for the development of day care centres for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42832/13]
View answerGovernment policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Approximately €392 million has been allocated by the Health Service Executive in 2013 to provide for community support services, including the Home Help Service, Home Care Packages, day care and meals-on-wheels. The HSE estimate that approximately 21,460 clients will avail of Day Care services in 2013. In the context of the development of an integrated model of care for older people, the HSE is currently reviewing the provision of day care services to ensure that clients are receiving the most appropriate service to meet their needs. As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the funding of these services, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
