Home Care Packages

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2017

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

Questions (102)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

102. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons under 65 years of age now account for one in every four strokes, yet home care packages are not tailored to the specific needs of persons that could be living with the side effects of strokes for decades; if he will create an entitlement to home care that is appropriate for stroke survivors of all ages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20218/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides home care packages which are enhanced supports, over and above existing mainstream Home Help service. These are essentially a suite of supports, which are more comprehensive than Home Help as they can include community nursing and therapy services, respite care and aids and appliances. An appropriate professional skills mix is provided to support people with a higher level of care needs. In 2014, the HSE introduced Intensive Home Care Packages (IHCPs) to facilitate timely discharge home from acute hospitals of people who require very significant interventions to an extent not previously provided as part of the Home Care Package Scheme or current community services.

Access to home care packages are provided on the basis of assessed care need, carried out by health care professionals. It is not proposed to provide access to home care packages by reference to illness type.