Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
1266. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional financial resources will be provided for home support in 2020 in view of the delays in providing these essential supports for many eligible patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15849/20]
View answerThe HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) and Home Support services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. These are related but separate services and each is funded separately. While the resources for the provision of assisted living services available are substantial they are finite. The 2020 national service plan allocated €1m additional funding to PA services.
PA and Home Support Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.
The presence and threat of COVID-19 in Ireland has resulted in significant challenges for service providers, families and most importantly, people with disabilities. During these challenging times disability services such as residential services, day services, home supports, Personal Assistant supports, respite services and children’s services were either suspended or delivered in alternative ways following Public Health guidance. The changes in service delivery have resulted in significant stressors being placed on families and individuals with disabilities across Ireland. In times of such uncertainty it was imperative that the vulnerable members of our community remained supported by our service providers, therefore, it was essential that a shift in focus occurred in terms of how services were delivered.
One of the primary opportunities which has occurred as a result of the presence of COVID-19 has been that the pandemic has acted as a catalyst to the development of alternative models of service delivery . It is from this position that the reshaping process of services occur and consideration is given to how services will now be best delivered, mindful of the assessed individualised needs and wishes of people with disabilities and in accordance with Government Public Health guidelines. During this planning phase, there is a need to engage with individuals and, as appropriate, with their families, in reshaping what people with disabilities choose that their day should look like in order to have a meaningful life.
The Department of Health and HSE have agreed that the provision of Home Support services should be prioritised in order to maintain and support people to continue to live in their own homes and to provide support and help families and carers.
Considerations for reshaping Home Supports are as follows; Where home support hours were reduced due to COVID-19 public health requirements, a rigorous assessment of need including a risk assessment of infection control issues, must occur to determine what reshaping of supports should be delivered. Where a reassessment determines hours should be re-instated and can be delivered in accordance with public health guidance, this should occur. Where a reassessment determines hours are not to be reinstated for whatever reason, a meaningful conversation should be held with the individual and where appropriate with family, to identify what supports are most appropriate and what has been learned during the COVID-19 restrictions in terms of changing needs and wishes, resilience etc.
The Disability Sector is re-establishing a number of structures, as well as other operational structures, that will co-ordinate and support the sector as we continue to navigate this pandemic and make every effort to deliver home supports in line with Public Health Guidance.
