asked the Minister for Health if he will explain his plans for the improvement and decentralisation of geriatric services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Geriatric Services.
24.
In general, it is my policy to have the aged helped, where necessary, to enable them to live in the community so that they do not have to enter hospitals or other institutions unless it is essential that they should do so. To this end I have provided financial resources to enable health boards to implement a programme of community care and to subsidise voluntary agencies who participate in this programme. To date more than 60 social service councils, representatives of local voluntary and statutory bodies, have been formed throughout the country and more are in the process of formation. The services provided for the aged include medical and nursing care, medical and surgical appliances, aids in the home, meals-on-wheels, home helps, laundry services, assistance with decoration and repairs, day centres, outings and so on.
I recognise that there are a number of elderly persons who, while not requiring hospital treatment, nevertheless need a measure of institutional care. To fill this need health boards, in conjunction with my Department, are engaged on the provision of welfare homes located, subject to organisational and economic factors, reasonably convenient to the persons whom they are intended to serve. To date 48 such homes have been approved in principle; three have been completed and occupied, 15 are in the course of construction, four are out to tender and 26 are at the planning stage. Health boards are considering the provision of more such homes.
As regards hospital care, progress continues on the provision of suitable new accommodation for the aged chronic sick in replacement of old county homes, and in the provision of special assessment and rehabilitation units. Specialist geriatricians have been appointed in some hospitals and further such appointments are to be made.